Richard Joseph Lipari's Obituary
Richard Joseph Lipari, 84, of Hayward, California, passed away on November 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on May 4, 1941, in Rochester, New York, Richard was the oldest son of Sandy and Mary Lipari. He grew up in Irondequoit and went to Saint Margaret Mary’s and Irondequoit High School, before attending Niagara University. He was known for his strength of character and great ability to capture hearts with his amazing stories.
He will be remembered for his magnanimity, loyalty, boisterous laughter and love for his family. Richard married Jean on June 15, 1963, and together they raised two beautiful children in Benicia, where he was an active civic leader. After the end of his first marriage, Richard then met and married Amy on October 8, 1988, and became a stepfather to her two sons, creating their blended family of six. Richard and Amy shared 37 years of love and devoted partnership. He was a loyal husband and dedicated father to Jennifer Ashanta, Michael, George and Dominick.
Throughout his life, he was civic-minded, contributing to save the Benicia First Street Train Depot from demolition, and was instrumental in adding a second fire station to Southampton, also in Benicia. He will be remembered as a tough, but fair businessman, working up until his final days. He was primarily in sales for his 66 year career, working for many flagship companies such as IBM and Dean Whitter, as well as owning a custom T-shirt business in the 1980's. His final 22 years were spent in various leadership positions at Royal 4 Systems. His hobbies included classic cars from the 50’s and 60’s, and he especially loved flying small planes, listening to music, watching classic films, and cooking Italian and other cuisines. He was especially proud of his Sicilian Braciole and sauce.
He is survived by his wife Amy, daughter Jennifer Ashanta, son Michael, stepsons George and Dominick, grandchildren Paulina, Lilandra, Alexander, Amanda and Isabella, his sister Lucy, and brothers Paul, Ronald and Donald. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and a loving circle of extended family and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his mother and father.
A service to honor his life will be held on December 7 at Skylawn Memorial Park from 12-2pm. There will be a reception afterwards.
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