Richard Frank Abreau

Born in Los Angeles, California on April 22, 1937 Richard was raised by his Grandparents. As a young child he was bound to a wheelchair unable to walk due to a rare bone disease called Osteomyelitis. He had multiple surgeries on his legs, never thinking he could much less walk, than being able to run. He beat the odds, and just like that he ran head on into his incredible life. Starting with becoming a track star at Montebello High School in Montebello, CA, and as first chair saxophonist with the HS jazz band, The Esquires.

Rich graduated high school early to enlist in the US Air Force in January 1955, where it was recognized early on that he had great intellect and ability with technology becoming an ECM Operator flying in B36 planes in the Korean War, earning his flight wings. His 4 years in USAF ended after his plane crashed. Luckily all survived, but Rich was left with a permanent back injury, and after 9 months in rehabilitation at The Presidio in San Francisco, he was discharged with honors.

Rich was hired by the Autonetics division of Rockwell Inc. as a Field Engineer. While with Rockwell on an assignment in New York City, he met and fell in love with his wife Gail. They married on September 3, 1960 and moved cross country back to California. Little did Gail know, this would be the first of many moves. Rich worked for Rockwell and simultaneously went to school; in 1965 Rich earned a BA in Business Management graduating with honors, Phi Beta Kappa, from Woodbury University in Los Angeles. This would lead Rich into a career in Software & IT Management that would span 13 years and those many cross-country moves. In 1974, Rich & Gail moved to Sunnyvale and the Bay Area’s South Bay, a permanent place they would call home and raise their children.

In 1978, after a brief stint with Robert Half, Rich opened his own Software/ IT personnel agency called Abreau & Associates, Inc. It would become the premier agency for companies to call for high level professionals in Software & IT. The agency still operates today as a place for all to find a job, as Abreau & Associates, Inc. All Temporary.

Over his lifetime, Rich had many hobbies. When he was a younger man it was drag racing & the Flying Mile Boat Race, but as he aged and grew a family with Gail he developed a love for tennis, golf, The Golden State Warriors, wine, and once again his music. He became president of the local tennis & golf clubs and even received his Certificate as a CA wine master so he could judge. He always had his glass of Zinfandel and loved spending time in Sonoma County with friends. Throwing fabulous parties in the vines, developing dear friendships with growers, makers, & owners of the wineries.

His love of music was deep. He never forgot those years he played, and after 50 years The Esquires Big Band reunited to record CD’s that the group would sell to fund the defunct Music, Art, & Athletic programs at Montebello HS. Bringing them all back to life after 20+ albums. Rich would play his saxophone on all those CD’s, Misty by Errol Garner was by far his favorite. The band even got a nod from the Music Recording Academy with a Grammy Nomination in 2011 for the MHS Alumni Esquires CD ‘Walk Right in’.

Rich is survived by his wife Gail (married 62 years), his daughters April (Mark Bostic), Windy (Doug Campen), and son Richard Jr. (Leah Abreau); As well as his beloved grandchildren Wyatt Abreau, Dylan Abreau, & Logan Abreau Campen. The cornerstone of his life was his family. His greatest love and passion was for them. They will continue his legacy of kindness and grace in his memory.

Rich had a smile and handshake for everyone he met. His larger than life personality & generous loving spirit will be greatly missed.

Services will be held on Monday May 15, 2023 at 12 PM at Willow Glen Funeral Home 1039 Lincoln Avenue San Jose, CA 95125 with a Military Burial at Los Gatos Memorial Park at 1:30 PM 2255 Los Gatos Almaden Road San Jose, CA 95124. Reception to follow.

In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

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