Richard O Talamantes

2-7-1929 to 2-11-2012

Richard Ortega Talamantes was born on February 7, 1929 to Anita and Jesus Talamantes. He was one of 6 children. His older sister Virginia was the first born, then came his brother Jay (Jesus) followed by Martin, Eddie and Frank. Also included in their family were adopted brother Ramon and his sister Celia.

He graduated from Garfield High School in East Los Angeles. When World War II broke out Richard proudly enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was so eager to follow in his brother’s footsteps of military service that he embellished the truth a bit and stated he was a year older to enter the Marine Corps service at the age of 16. After becoming a Marine and completing his service to his country he was honorably discharged and started the next chapter in his life.

He met the love of his life Armida Torres and they became husband and wife on August 20, 1950. Five children followed; Margo was the first born on June 19, 1951. Their oldest son Richard was born on November 11, 1952. Second daughter Corinne was born on August 9, 1955 and the twins Conrad and Vivian were born September 16, 1960 completing the Talamantes family. In a remarkable bit of coincidence, his mother Anita and her twin sister were born on Sept. 16th, Mexican Independence Day, followed by two generations later with Conrad and Vivian born on Sept. 16th, and 1 generation later by great granddaughter Maya Talamantes also born on Sept. 16th.

Richard was a meat cutter and supervisor for Patman’s Meat Supply Company for 33 years. He took great pride in his job but even greater pride in his family. Friends and family benefited from his occupation. He absolutely delighted in feeding friends and family. He loved to bar-b-que. No one left the Talamantes household hungry! Anyone that walked through the front door left well fed whether they were hungry or not and children left with at least one ice cream!

After retiring from Patman’s Richard started a second career with the City of Commerce Parks and Recreation Department. He worked as a tree trimmer for 10 years. He used his previous job skills with his new fellow employees and had bar-b-ques during their lunch. Employee after employee at his retirement told how Richard brought people together and would be sorely missed at work.

In retrospect it is said “When God measures a man he does so by measuring the size of his heart”. Richard’s heart would not then be measured in inches but in measurements known only to God. Richard will be remembered as a faithful and devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather and a great-grandfather.

His legacy of love lives through his everlasting bride Armida Torres Talamantes;

His children; Margo Talamantes Hernandez, Richard Anthony Talamantes, Corinne Flores, Conrad Talamantes, and Vivian Gonzales.

His wonderful Son-In-Laws: Manuel, Armando, and Joe.

Daughter-In-Laws; Marcy and Mona.

Granddaughter-In-Laws: Laura, Celina, Rose, Diana, Isabel, Noura, and Bonnie.

Grandchildren; Manny, Matthew and Marcel Hernandez; Gabriel, Michelle and Nicole Talamantes; Violet, Armando, Adam, Aaron, and Abraham Flores; Sabrina, Katherine, and Conrad Talamantes; Joseph, and Timothy Gonzales.

Great- grandchildren; Maximillion, Ayla, Dorian, Kiana, Maya, Armando and Ameer.

Pallbearers: Richard A. Talamantes, Manuel Hernandez, Matthew Hernandez, Marcel Hernandez, Gabriel Talamantes, Michelle Talamantes, Nicole Talamantes, Armando Flores, Adam Flores, Aaron Flores, Abraham Flores, Conrad Talamantes, Joseph Gonzales, Timothy Gonzales.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2012 from 11:00 - 2:00 P.M. in the Valley View Chapel at Montecito Mortuary. A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 20 at 9:00 A.M. also at Montecito Mortuary in the Valley View Chapel in Colton, California. Burial to follow at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Arrangements under the direction of Montecito Memorial Park & Mortuary, Colton, California.