Richard Charles Bugnatto

Richard Charles Bugnatto was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Richard will be remembered as a very charismatic person.

Richard was born on October 30, 1946 at Merrit Hospital in Oakland, California. He was the son of Richard and Margaret Bugnatto. Richard grew up on Ayala Street in Oakland, California.

Richard was raised with two siblings. He had an older sister, Joanne, and a younger sister, Madeline .Richard was involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. The three of them experienced rivalries and unforgettable moments typical of a growing family. As his older sister left the nest and started a family of her own, Richard and his younger sister became inseparable, sharing many life experiences over the next several years.

As a young boy, Richard had a number of interests. He was an active child who took part in baseball, football, and loved fishing. In his spare time he liked playing outdoors and in the creek with his siblings. Richard liked to use his hands. He found great satisfaction in building things out of wood and loved to work in the garden with his dad. Richard's memorable achievements included winning a Yo-Yo Championship and performing in recitals where he played the Accordion. However, to Richard, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Richard had a fairly happy high school experience; he attended Oakland Tech in Oakland, California. Richard was very analytical and skilled in math. His favorite class in high school was woodwork. Unfortunately his passion for woodshop was not enough to maintain his focus on graduation. With the challenge of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom, Richard took a turn in a new direction. Like many young men, he went on a search to find himself.

Always considered a "loyal" friend to those he knew, Richard enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. His most memorable friendships during adolescents and adulthood were those with Frank foreman, Jimmy Verducci, Eddie Quilice.

In 1990 Richard relocated from Oakland to Santa Clara Valley. It was in San Jose where Richard got a fresh start. Using the skills he attained along the way, Richard began his career in cabinet making. Very shortly after he was offered an apprenticeship within sheet metal. Richard enjoyed what he did. He was acknowledged for his diligence, strong work ethic, and passion for perfection, he was quickly moved into a journeyman position. Richard retired from sheet metal work in 2004 due to a back disability.

On July 9, 2004 Richard exchanged wedding vows with Sue Darcy at the City .Hall in San Jose, California. As a couple, Richard and his wife spent most of their time together. Richard was somewhat of a homemaker, he enjoyed cleaning, cooking and keeping the house in order. For down time Richard loved watching his favorite television programs. Richard never missed a family get-together, where he enjoyed laughing and talking about the good old days. He was very proud of his 4 adult children and their accomplishments. He took great pride in his grandchildren and loved spending time with them as well. Richard was also a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorite pets was the family cat Tabitha, who he loyally pampered.

Richard worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Richard was blessed with four children, one son, Aaron, and three daughters, Tracey, Cassandra and Geana. Another blessing for Richard was the gift of three grandchildren, John, Natalia, and Xavier.

Richard enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were poker, stamp collecting, reading books, and enjoying his grandchildren. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Richard found pleasure in recreational sports, including bowling. Richard was also somewhat of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so.

Richard enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included visiting Lake Tahoe. He loved to hang out by the cabin with friends and go gambling at the casinos.

Richard passed away on Sunday December 2, 2012 at Regional Medical Center in San Jose, California. Richard attempted to fight a battle against lung cancer. He is survived by his wife Sue Darcy; his children Aaron, Tracey, Cassandra and Geana; his grandchildren John, Natalia and Xavier; and his sisters Joanne (Bernie) and Madeline (Mike), nieces Veronica and Corrie and nephew Bernie. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Chapel of Roses in San Jose, California. Richard was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

Simply stated, Richard was a loyal and empathetic person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, a person who would go above and beyond to help his loved ones in time of need. He was a vital part of their lives. Richard leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Richard Charles Bugnatto.