June 29, 1939 – November 21, 2007
Born in the Philippines, Richard attended Star of the Sea Grammar School and Polytechnic High. He went on to receive a BFA from SF State University and a MFA from Stanford.
He was a private acting student of Mara Alexander, attended St. Joseph's seminary and was an ordained deacon. His ministry took him to San Quentin Prison and San Francisco's Tenderloin.
He was an educator, actor and social activist who taught at SF State and Stanford. Richard was the recipient of a NEA grant to present dramatic performances in various rural communities throughout the US.
In the early 1970s, he was the director of Hospitality House. Richard was also a participant in the Navy's PACE (Program of Afloat College Education).
Critics praised his acting and directing in San Francisco theater. As a public speaking coach, his clients ranged from Ted Danson to Dianne Feinstein. Adept at classical and contemporary repertory, he could imitate everyone from Sid Caesar to Queen Elizabeth. His memory of Shakespeare's plays helped keep him from a death-inducing coma.
A viable member of San Francisco's neighborhood arts programs, he was also an eloquent spokesperson for the city's Filipino community.
Along with Jack Davis, he founded the still-flourishing South Coast Repertory Theatre.
He was a loving and dedicated godfather of Alison Empire, Lalagoa Levi, and Matthew Mondini.
For those who knew him, his incandescent presence will be missed.
A mass in honor of this remarkable man was held Dec. 10 at Star of the Sea Church, with a reception at Sweetie's.