Richard Barry Cadenasso

May 30, 1939 – July 10, 2019

After a valiant fight against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Richard Barry Cadenasso departed this world to be with God on July 10, 2019 at the age of 80. The planet dimmed with his passing.

Born on May 30, 1939 in Martinez, California to Leo Leonard and LaVerna Marie Cadenasso (Hansen) of Concord. Loving husband of Martha Jean Cadenasso (Calhoun), devoted father to Karen Pontius and Cathy Temple, dedicated grandfather to Robert “Bobby” Morton and Michelle Stais (Morton) and great-grandfather to Kylee Marie Stais and Danielle Marion Stais and brother to Susan Damask and Great Nephew to famous impressionist artist Guisseppe Leonne Cadenasso, considered to “Corot” of California.

Richard had two main callings in life; to serve his Catholic faith and protect and serve his fellow man. He remained loyal to these callings throughout his life.

Richard was a descendent of Italian and Swedish immigrants. The Cadenasso families settling into the Capay Valley and vicinity in the mid-1800’s, which when Southern Pacific Railroad established a rail stop nearby, named the stop Cadenasso after local ranch owners. Cadenasso remains a small unincorporated town to this day. Later progress in the family established the Cadenasso Vineyards and later famed Cadenasso Winery, the latter operated by his uncle Frank Giovanni Cadenasso for 46 years. The winery and associated properties were sold off to developers including the Fairfield/Solano (Westfield) mall located on Cadenasso Drive. Richard related great stories of the wonderful times he spent growing up in the area and frequenting the winery. A central hub typical of an Italian family. He was very proud of his heritage.

He had early desires to be in the military and as a child, would dress up in uniform and play soldier with his friends. A calling that would become a major focus of his life. Growing up in Concord, he graduated from Mt. Diablo High School in 1957 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated bootcamp, Platoon 264, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego in 1957 being meritoriously promoted to Private First Class and earning his Dress Blue Uniform for his distinguished efforts and performance as Platoon Leader. His first tour-of-duty found Richard in the infamous 29 Palms Marine Corp Base as part of the 155 Howitzer Field Artillery Battery. He started his service as well with early Military Police training. He was Honorably Discharged from the Marine Corps in 1960 attaining the rank of Lance Corporal

In 1962 while in the USMC Reserves, Richard worked as an Immigration Patrol Inspector for the U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, Calexico, California.

He left the INS to attend college and joined the San Jose Police Department in August, 1964. He also enlisted in the Army National Guard of California where he served from 1965-1966. He obtained his BA in Sociology from San Jose State University. He then attended the California Military Academy where he received his commission in the US Army as Lieutenant in 1966. He continued his advanced training as a Military Police Officer. His various duty assignments in the US Army Reserve included 381st Military Police Detachment in San Leandro, California and Fort Irwin, Barstow, California. He continued his military service fulfilling billets including Case Analysis Office and Investigations Officer with the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigations Command (Presidio of San Francisco and Washington D. C.) until his retirement as a Lt. Colonel, US Army Reserve in 1999.

His service with the San Jose Police Department spanned from 1964 until his retirement in February, 1993. Starting as a motorcycle officer, he saw the evolution and changes occurring in the department. He continued his education and obtained his Master’s in Public Administration. Going through the ranks until obtaining his final rank as a Lieutenant. He helped usher in changes to the department including the installation of the first computers to be installed in patrol vehicles.

Not one to sit idle he next served as the Deputy Chief of Police Services overseeing the police operations of the Elk Grove School District that encompassed 32,000 K-12 students, from November 1993 through September 1995.

Relocating to Auburn, California he again continued his service as Reserve Deputy Sheriff/Assistant Deputy Sheriff for Placer County from February 1996 until March 2004. Alas he could devote more time to he second calling.

His commitment to his faith originated as a young boy. He said he found solace in the Church and relief from strict parenting. He had a love of God and looked at ways he could serve his faith and community. He spent considerable time in his theological studies culminating in his Ordainment as a Deacon in the Catholic Church on June 5, 2004. He enjoyed spreading the word and conducting Mass and the Eucharist, teaching Catechism and devoting time to help the needy and homeless. He was beloved by his congregation and respected for his wisdom and compassion. He was destined to do God’s work. He gave generously of his time and finances to help those less fortunate and to further religious programs. He continued his faith until the end attending mass with his beloved daughter Karen while residing in his final home. He received his Last Rites only days before his passing, daughter by his side, holding hands as he passed. Never a more deserving soul. He left our world knowing he had taken care of those he loved and knowing he was loved and surrendering to his Salvation.

Richard was an exemplary man who was driven and focused on the challenges before him. Never wanting to surrender and dogged determination to succeed. He loved the outdoors, biking and hiking and traveling with his soulmate of 58 years.

He will be missed. It was an honor to know him and those lives he touched during those 80 years on this mortal Earth are the better for it. He lived true to his Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fidelis” always faithful. Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service to God, Country and Corps.

He will be interred at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, California.