Richard Manuel Fragnito-Lira

He attended Galen Clark Elementary, Tenaya Middle School and graduated from Merced High School in 1966. Richard attended 2 years at Merced Jr. College. He grew up on the South side of Merced. He was good at fabricating and building things and excelled in mechanics and welding. He worked in San Jose for different banks as an appraiser for home loans.

Richard started his construction business “Lira Enterprises” (structural steel- fabrication-erection-portable welding and custom trailers). He had acquired rentals and he retired in his early 40’s. He worked in the pits for NASCAR for 1 year. He took up hobbies: flying small airplanes, riding in WWII planes, photography, and was a skydiving camera man (had over 2000 jumps). He enjoyed fishing on the Delta, boating and camping, square dancing, BBQ’s, cooking and traveling with his wife of 10 years, Josi. He was a history buff and enjoyed old black and white movies, College and NFL football.

He is preceded in death by his father Manuel Lira and mother Charlotte Contreras Lira, Grandpa Frank Cooper Lira and Grandma Jessie Vargas Lira.

Survivors include his sister Lidia Lira Caldron (Alonzo), his niece Michelle Lee, nephews Chuck and Kenny Caldron all of Merced.

His wife Mary Josephina Celico Fragnito-Lira “Josi”, LTC, US Army Retired, His stepsons Paul D. Hall, Major US Air Force reserves (Tiffani) truck driver; from Vancouver, WA. Frank B. Smith IV (Glendyl) school teachers, 2 step grandchildren Chleo 13 and Frankie 5 from Moses Lakes, WA.

His daughter Charlotte Lynn Lira (Charlie) from Mariposa and 3 grandchildren Lillian Rose Martinez (Lily) 23 years, active E5/BM2 US Navy, Manuel Nicholas Lira Martinez (Nick) 18 years old attending Merced Junior College truck driving school and Isabella Grace Martinez (Bella) 15 years old sophomore in high school.

His 1st wife Sherry Darlene Huff Papale, stepson Johnny Haynes Jr. (Jennifer), grandchildren, Jerhett, Katelyn and Trenton. Step daughter, Lori Haynes Downey (Darrold) children Jazmine Thompson DeWilde and Tyler Downey. His 2nd wife Lorreta Villegas, stepsons Dave and Rich Barrera; as well as many cousins.

Dickie was a member of the Merced Boots and Slippers square dance club, Club Mercedes, American Legion Post 83 Auxiliary, Merced Elks Lodge 1240, ICF (Italian Catholic Federation) Brand 39, Valley Vintage Car Club, Castle Air Museum, Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Merced Courthouse Museum Historic Soc.

His service will be held on October 1, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 562 West 12th Street, Merced, California 95341. Viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m. with Rosary beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by Funeral Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery located at 260 West Childs Avenue, Merced, California 95341. A reception will take place from 12 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Club Mercedes, located 569 West 9th Street, Merced, California, 95341.

In lieu of flowers; donations may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church “Fence Fund” 562 West 12th Street, Merced, California 95341. There will be a box to put donations in at the church and at the reception. Please put your name and address on the envelope. Thank you in advance.

Funeral Arrangements are under the care of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.