I just wanted to say first I'm sorry to the family for your big loss! I was just thinking this morning how lucky of a kid I was to have big rich as my coach at such a crucial part of my life I got to say I was a little asshole! I remember when I was 12 and I used to watch Leonard play I was super jealous of how good he was and that he played for his dad's team the Expos!! I remember always wanting to be a part of his team! Just the way he carried himself and took control of his team with nothing but pure sarcasm and love even though he didn't show the love all the time you knew it was there. I'm so glad coach Big Rich took me to be on his team and not the sorry-ass Hurricanes LOL. I learned a lot from Big Rich how to be humble how to play hard and just to be a good person I thank him for all the opportunities he gave me and my dad like getting to go to Hawaii twice with the magdaleno's and all our buddies that was something ill never forget I'm going to miss you Big Rich you're always going to be my number one coach! Then my dad!  I love you coach boff!! The best memory I have of Big Rich is that one and only time when he told me good job during a game and I know he meant it!! Rest easy coach in that big. Baseball diamond in the sky.  You will truly be missed

It was just like Richard to go peacefully because that's the type of person that he was. In the 25 years that I knew him, I never heard him raise his voice and Claudia was the same way.  They were two of the warmest and accommodating people that I've ever known. Everybody loved Richard and Claudia and everybody was better off for knowing them.  It is comforting to know that  they are together again for eternity and know that they are and have always have been  proud parents and grandparents.                                            

Big Rich......... that’s how we all knew him. 
One of the greatest men I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of growing up around.

Big Rich was instrumental in my youth, as a Coach, and a father figure.  We lived 7-8 houses away from Big Rich and Claudia, we spent many  a days swimming,  playing basketball  and playing whiffle ball in his front yard.  
Big Rich always loved being around the boys. Whether we were 13-14 year olds or 20-21 year old college kids and later now that we are all grown up.  I loved being around him. Always smiling and cutting it up with all of us.  
I will always remember the days of my youth when I would be out in front of my house and he would come around the coroner in his blue truck like clockwork every day on his way home from work and honk his horn and smile  and wave at me.  He knew I was outside cutting the grass or pulling weeds because I was probably in trouble and although he was smiling at me He was probably more laughing at me because he knew why I was out there. 
Time would pass and as I  grew up and started my  family I  now look back at the way he treated us as kids and  treated  his family and friends and now I think to myself if I could only be  half the man Big Rich was I would be doing pretty well. I never in my 33 years of knowing him have ever hear anyone say anything bad about him. He was loved by everyone he came across. Always willing to crack open a beer or 20 with us, and eat some BBQ.  I will always remember his smiling face and I will miss him greatly.  I will always be grateful for the opportunities he gave me and his friendship. I know now he is at peace and with Claudia for eternity.  

About fifteen/sixteen years ago, our youngest child, Rayna, met Richard and Claudia’s youngest child, Leo. They fell in love and married. Richard and Claudia, John and I were blessed with three amazing and beautiful grandchildren. These grandchildren that we share will forever bond us. They are our legacy.

My memories of Richard:  

His love for his children, Rachel and Leo, his grandchildren, Zack, Dylan, Gavin, Adrienne and Jason, and his love and devotion to his Claudia. 

He was at the birth of our shared grandchildren, Gavin, Adrienne and Jason.  While he was able, you were bound to see him at his grandkids baseball games and practices, their school events and graduations, holy communions, baptizims, birthday parties and family holidays.   When Rayna had back surgery years ago, Richard showed up at the hospital before the surgery to support her and Leonard, and maybe not realizing it, supported John and me. I was very touched. I wish now I had told him. 

Richard will very much be missed. Claudia’s passing left a large void in our family: Richard’s passing intensifies this void. Life is hard. He and Claudia will live on in our memories and hearts. 

Rest In Peace. 

Big Rich, big heart, big personality, and a big impact in our lives. Over the years as we grew close to the Mags you were always inviting and welcoming to us all. From the holidays and gatherings we got to enjoy with you it was always a great time.  Thank you for all the love you extended our way, CHEERS BIG RICH!!
                                          J-SQUAD......

I met Big Rich in January of this year as I bid his interior paint project. Would stop by after work and visit for a bit. He would always listen to my work woes😂.
We did the job in early August and my crew loved him.
It is not quantity of time but quality; ‘Chard will be sorely missed but never forgotten ❤️

I will forever remember my uncle Richard's sense of humor. He was such a jokester and always brought joy to any gathering.  He is eternally loved and will be greatly missed. His legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren.

Always in my heart,
Samantha 


Rich, a welcoming, warm man who made me and my family feel like we were part of the family. (His children also have this gift). I will miss you and your kind smile. Rest In Peace wonderful man. Love you. 

We will miss you Big Rich. Thank you for making us a part of your family. We are blessed with the time we were given with you. We love you dearly. 

How lucky we all are to have known you. Your love was big. Your dedication to family was inspiring. Your easy-going nature is something I will remember always. Your children and grandchildren are a reflection of all  these things and more and I know they will miss you so very much. We are comforted, though, to know that you are with your love, Claudia and that you will smile down on us always. May you rest in peace Richard. 

Rest in Peace, Big Rich and sweet Claudia.  We will always feel the love and joy of living you shared with us through the years.  Little League games and snackbars, soccer games and baseball again, football chain gangs, the road trips that took us to Hawaii, Vegas, San Diego, and Colorado ...you two were always dedicating your time volunteering.  You made volunteering into so much fun and included everybody...being with you was always a party!  "What the????" became part of our vocabulary!  You gave us a new tradition for Christmas eve visits and our extended families got to know each other.  You made us feel part of a community and the time and love you gave to our community made our lives so much richer.  You left us with cherished memories and two awesome children and five wonderful grandchildren who continue your example of living a full and giving life.  We are forever grateful.  God Bless You, Family Magdaleno's.  You will always be in our hearts.  

Richard was one of the greatest grandfathers you could ask for to my boys. He went to every game when I couldn’t. He was there for them when I couldn’t be. He helped raise my boys to be the outstanding young men that I had hoped they would grow up to be. He was a big part of that and always treated me with respect. I respected him as a father to Rachel and Leo and as a grandfather to my boys . This is a huge loss and I will miss him but the time we had with him was amazing. I thank you from the bottom of my heart “Big Rich” for taking care of my boys. 

Big Rich was a remarkable man.  A man I will always remember and never will forget. So many memories. Big Rich was my friend and always treated me like part of the family.  For that I will always be grateful.  He will be forever missed. 
We love you Big Rich. 

My deepest condolences to the entire Magdaleno family during this difficult time.  May he & his wonderful wife Claudia have eternal peace.

Big Rich was always front row for family and friends. His big heart and smile will not be forgotten.

OBITUARY

Richard Leonard Magdaleno

April 3, 1950 – September 12, 2018

Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary

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