Richard was born August 6th 1943 in San Bernardino, CA to Salbador & Concha Benitez. He grew up in Fontana, Ca. He later graduated from Fontana High School in 1961.
He went to night school at Chaffey Community College while working several jobs & being a single parent. After graduating with an AA he transferred to Cal Poly Pomona where he met his wife Sharon. He graduated in 1971 & then continued his education at CSU Fullerton getting his masters in school administration. He went on to work for Pomona, South Whittier & Desert Sands Unified school districts before moving to Paso Robles in 1986. He became the Director of Student Services in 1990. He oversaw migrant,adult,bilingual &vocational programs.
During his years with the school district he was instrumental in the founding of the Paso Robles Youth Task force. He brought Cinco de Mayo events to Paso Robles. He became a active member of the Kiwanis club. He even played Santa Claus with the Paso Robles Police & Fire Department bringing joy to bilingual children in the community.
After retiring in 2005, Rich only got even more involved in his community. He helped supervise student teachers at both Cal Poly San Luis Obispo & University of LaVerne. He helped start the Hispanic Business Association. He continued his work with Kiwanis. He became a member of the Cal Retired Teacher Association. Traveling to both Sacramento & Washington DC he to met with senators & congressmen lobbying for teachers & students. He also was on the board of The Food Bank of SLO.
Richard is survived by his siblings, Arthur, Lillian & Mary. His children Richard, Sherie, Elizabeth, David & Victoria. His was a proud grandpa to 8 grandchildren, Sheridan,Serena, Sylvie, Evan, Aiden, Vivienne, Nia & Noah.
A viewing & rosary will be held on Tuesday October 16 at 5pm at Kuehl-Nicolay funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday 17th at 4:30pm at St. Rose church.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Richard & Sharon Benitez scholarship fund through the CalRTA.
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