Richard Alan Marques Sr.

Richard Alan Marques, Sr. was born in Sacramento, California on May 3, 1941 to Antonio Marques and Genevieve Jochim. His parents worked at Libby, McNeil and Libby Cannery and they lived on Libby Court when he was born. They soon moved to 3200 S Street when his grandparents purchased a home for the family to live in. His parents later purchased a home at 3310 S Street where they raised their four children before moving to 3909 T Street.

Rich, as he was known to his family and friends, was recently asked what the most fun time in his life was. He responded that it was when he played baseball with his friends in the city corporation yard on S Street. The workers came out and played with them and didn’t get mad when they occasionally broke a window.

When his daughter-in-law asked him what one of his happiest memories was, he responded that it was the time he spent working at Camp Sacramento, during the summers of 57, 58 and 59. He told many stories over the years about his exciting adventures.

Rich was an avid photographer. One of his favorite stories to talk about was about being the sports team’s photographer at Sacramento High School and working with Coach Leavitt, who was the father of his daughter-in-law. This connection thrilled him to no end.

He met the love of his life, Carol Elaine Dailey, at Camp Sacramento one summer when her family was there as guests. It was a few years later that they were re-introduced by their mutual best friends, who were dating, at a picnic in Elk Grove Park in July of 1961. Sparks flew and the two announced their engagement on Valentine's Day 1962. Their wedding was held in January of 1963. They lived on the UC Davis campus until Carol’s graduation while Rich worked for a photography studio in Davis, and then settled in Sacramento and started their family. They recently celebrated their 59th Wedding Anniversary.

Together, Rich and Carol raised two children, were involved in an archery club, organized neighborhood block parties for the 4th of July, played pinochle with friends and supported their children through all the activities that the scouting programs have to offer.

Rich was President of Southarea Recreation, Inc Board of Trustees, a non-profit that assisted the Southgate Recreation and Park District through financial support and community programs. One of his proudest achievements was organizing the Billy Mills Youth Hall of Fame and the Billy Mills 10K Run for four years.

Line-controlled model airplanes, driving race cars in his youth and watching them in his adult years, woodworking, fishing, hiking in Desolation Valley with his best friend, and helping his neighbors with whatever he could on his workbench in the garage kept Rich happy and contributed to, as he said many times before passing, his good life.

Rich worked for 40 years in the Industrial Conveyance and Bearing industry. He held the titles of Power Transmission Specialist, Salesman and Manager. He designed conveyance systems for grocery stores, rock and gravel plants and the publishing industry, as well as supporting the industrial needs of farmers and the food processing industry throughout the Sacramento and Central Valley regions.

The holiday season was not complete unless Rich had decked the outside of his home with handmade wooden decorations, lights galore and a blow-up Grinch. He thoroughly enjoyed every holiday because that meant he got to spend time with family.

In 2004, he and Carol retired so that they could travel. They went on several cruises, a couple of train excursions and spent many summers with their mothers and grandsons in Dunsmuir, California where he and the boys fished in the Sacramento River. They moved to Roseville, California in 2011 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Family meant everything to Rich. Reunions, birthdays, weddings, soccer games, bowling tournaments, plays, you name it and he was in attendance.

2019 brought the news that he had a rare autoimmune liver disease. Rich fought valiantly for over two years and passed away just after midnight, while holding his wife’s hand. He had waited for her to come to bed.

Richard Alan Marques, Sr. passed away at home on March 2, 2022, in Roseville, California. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol; daughter Sharon Marques and daughter-in-law Rochelle Leavitt of Sacramento; son Richard (Ric) Jr. of Roseville; brother Kenneth and sister-in-law Susan of Washington; brother Ronald and sister-in-law Mary of Citrus Heights; sister-in-law Marilyn Dailey of Nevada; four grandchildren, two great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sandra Canady and nieces Barbara Canady and Pamela Canady Marques.

The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors and therapists of Sutter Health for their commitment to Rich’s health and wellbeing.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 1pm at Harry A. Naumann and Son Funeral Home at 4041 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA. A reception, including a light lunch, will be held immediately following the service.

The Graveside ceremony will take place on Tuesday, March 22nd at 1pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at 6700 21st Avenue, Sacramento, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or to Food for Families at foodforfamiliesgive.raleys.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harryanauman.com for the MARQUES family.