Rick was my boss, mentor and friend. He encouraged me to grow and succeed,  supporting me as I moved onto a director role in a neighboring school district. He was always  available to help me and roll up his sleeves. I’m forever grateful to him :)

And so supportive… to both our CA School Nutrition Association and this particular Relay for Life fundraiser.

He also knew kitchens!! How to design them to function optimally and look amazing. We really benefitted from his restaurant background. He would always tell us he much preferred school hours :)

Rick was so creative and talented, designing a huge marketing campaign for our district’s school nutrition department.

Dear Lois & family, I am so very sorry to learn of Rick’s passing.  

He hired me to work at San Dieguito Union High School District in 2013. I was his Nutrition Supervisor and Registered Dietitian, and he generously taught me the business of School Nutrition. He was so unbelievably kind and often very silly/funny… and took his coffee very seriously, always had to be fresh! After leaving SDUHSD, we stayed in touch through all these years. It was a challenge to see him in person because he was always traveling around to spend time with his beautiful family who he loved so much and talked about often.

Lois, you may remember the story of my getting hit with a bungee cord within  the first few weeks of my working for him. He made me take a picture with a Homecoming flyer at the school site  because it happened to be fake injury day! I would  later teasingly call him the “worst boss ever” for that day… but nothing was further from the truth. I am very lucky to have learned from him and been his friend. He would call or email me on my birthday every year to see how I was doing. I will miss Rick very much and will go enjoy a Starbucks coffee in his honor tomorrow.

Sending you lots of love. May his memory be a blessing.

Love, 
Siri Perlman

Picture; Boss’s Day

Sending my love to the entire Mariam Family.  Rick has been a part of my life since I was 5 years old.   Growing up across the street so much of my childhood and beyond circles back to him.  As a kid, he and Lois had the kind of life I dreamed of.  They were younger than my parents so of course much cooler.  They seemed to always be up to some adventure or listening to music and laughing.   What a joyful life!   Rick was always there with a smile and a clever statement.   From high school graduation and beyond Rick was always there in support.   Thank you for the memories, Rick. I like many others will miss you.

Rick was a treasure!   Lois and Rick, your marriage is a love story.  We are so thankful for all of the memories we made together throughout the years.   Rick's sense of humor always lifted our spirits.  We will miss him dearly.  Sending love and prayers to Lois, Craig, Brad, Kim and your beautiful families.
Paul and Sally Slatinsky

Rick and his family were a huge part of my childhood memories.  If his kids and my brother's weren't at our house we were usually at the Mariam's. So they were like a second family to us. 
Rick was always laughing, joking and had time to interact with us. He helped give us a wonderful childhood.  I am so blessed to have had Rick and his family in my life.

Lois & Family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved, Rick. He was a wonderful man and always a joy to work with. He transformed the food service department in Pattonville during his time there. I am so deeply saddened to hear of his untimely passing...he's much too young. There were many great folks that made working in Pattonville  such a pleasant experience. Rick was at the top of that list! I'm so sorry that I won't be able to make his service. May your lovely memories be a source of comfort. I pray God will wrap his arms around you and give you strength. 
Fondly,
Cindy Boddy

Lois,
I am so very sorry to hear about Rick's passing.  Condolences to you, Craig,  Brad, and Kim. I realize those words at this time, and with the suddenness of his death barely touch the level of grief that you are feeling.  Please know that your family is in my prayers with love. 
Judy (Kinlough) Farasy

My heart is broken over the death of Rick.  I was his Secretary for 7 years when he was the Director of Pattonville's Food and Nutrition Services Dept.  A kinder, more caring man you'd never meet.  He made it his business to serve the students nutritious meals, particularly children in need.  He took time out of his busy schedule to attend my Mother's funeral.  He was a family man who always put his wife Lois and their 3 kids first.  I pray that God wraps His loving arms around the family and remains with them through their grief and that Rick rests well in his Heavenly home.

We are so sorry for your loss.  With the most heartfelt condolences.
Sincerely,
Allen and Elana Amaral

One of the best bosses I ever had. Rick will be missed by all his friends and coworkers.

I’m so sorry to hear about Rick‘s passing. I really enjoyed working with him when I was an elementary school principal at Rose Acres. He always took care of making sure all the kids had food every day.  He was a good leader and a person that cared about others.

Sending our deepest condolences. May his memory be a blessing. Love, Lisa, Rob, Ashley, and Alex Villareal

OBITUARY

Richard "Rick" Mariam

June 2, 1953 – May 30, 2026

Berger Memorial Chapel

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