Richard Chiaponne

Richard "Richie Chiaponne, 86, of San Ardo passed away Jan. 20, 2021. Richie was born in San Ardo in 1934 to Adolfo and Innocencia (Ferraris) Chiaponne. His parents immigrated from Italy and built their new life in San Ardo with their sons, Dino (Aldo), Hugo and Richie (Richard), whom his beloved Mom called Rico.

Richie was born in the San Ardo Hotel, which was owned and operated by his parents. He remained in San Ardo his entire life, graduating from San Ardo Elementary and King City High School. At the young age of 12, Richie went to work as a gardener for Walter Rosenberg. He went into the service in 1956 for basic training and in 1957, was deployed to Germany, where he was an SP4 in Communications. In September of 1958, he returned to the states and was given an honorable discharge. There, he returned to work at the San Bernardo Rancho, where he was employed for over 47 years, eventually becoming the Ranch Foreman in 1985.

In 1993, Richie married his beloved wife Brenda. They made their home and have remained throughout their years in the house where Richie grew up.

In December of 1999, he retired from the San Bernardo Rancho, spending his spare time tending his beautiful yards and gardens. His new adventures included bicycling with his wife, camping and fishing in the Sierras at Dinkey Creek and camping on the coast at the San Simeon campgrounds with his beloved wife Brenda. Richie loved to cook, bake, and spend time with his beloved little dog Penny (Tutti). He also loved to barbecue for his friends and family, often barbecuing at local events.

Richie leaves behind his beloved wife, Brenda; beloved little dog Penny "Tutti"; daughter, Christine Jung; grandsons, Gavin Bennett, Michael Bennett, and Anthony Jung; granddaughter, Brandi Jung; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Marylou Chiaponne, Silvia Chiaponne, and Kathy Eyler; brother in-law, Dennis (Penny) Nickell; nephews, David (Teresa) Chiaponne, and Carlos Partida; great nieces, nephews and lots of dear friends.

Richie will be laid to rest in King City Cemetery on Feb. 11,2021, at 1:00 p.m.

Published in King City Rustler · February 10, 2021