Richard A. Vieira, 82 of Escalon, died on Tuesday, Jan. 11, on the birthday of his son, Richard A. Vieira, Jr., who predeceased him six years ago.
Mr. Vieira was the son of the late Manual and Sophie Vieira. He was born at the family home in Ripon and lived all his life in Escalon, not far from his first family's home.
After graduating from high school and a stint with the National Guard, he drove truck for Karlson Bros. Then drove 25 years with Franzia Bros. Winery in Ripon. After an illness of his father, he left Franzia to take on the responsibility of farming the Vieira Ranch. He continued to work until his health no longer allowed him to enjoy what he treasured the most, which was farming. It was a passion he breathed, dreamed and shared with his neighbors. To his family and friends, he was as honest as the day was long. He was genuine of heart and if you were his friend you were family.
He graduated from Ripon High School, where he met and then married his sweetheart, Betty Schaapman. They were married in 1949. On Oct. 23, 2010, they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
Even though his main interest was farming, he did enjoy traveling and sightseeing. His most resent trip was to Alaska.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Vieira; three daughters, Linda and husband Terry Lynn, Karen Javete, all of Escalon, and Laura and husband Rick Merwin of Montana; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Raymond Vieira of Escalon; sister, Edna Freitas of Manteca.
He was preceded in death by his son, Richard A. Vieira Jr.; son-in-law, Steve Javete; brothers, Ernest and Wilbert Vieira.
Memorial Mass was Friday, Feb. 4 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with burial following at St. John's Cemetery.
Arrangements by Deegan Funeral Chapel in Escalon; visit the website at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Community Hospice, or to a charity of your choice.
The Escalon
Mr. Vieira was the son of the late Manual and Sophie Vieira. He was born at the family home in Ripon and lived all his life in Escalon, not far from his first family's home.
After graduating from high school and a stint with the National Guard, he drove truck for Karlson Bros. Then drove 25 years with Franzia Bros. Winery in Ripon. After an illness of his father, he left Franzia to take on the responsibility of farming the Vieira Ranch. He continued to work until his health no longer allowed him to enjoy what he treasured the most, which was farming. It was a passion he breathed, dreamed and shared with his neighbors. To his family and friends, he was as honest as the day was long. He was genuine of heart and if you were his friend you were family.
He graduated from Ripon High School, where he met and then married his sweetheart, Betty Schaapman. They were married in 1949. On Oct. 23, 2010, they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
Even though his main interest was farming, he did enjoy traveling and sightseeing. His most resent trip was to Alaska.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Vieira; three daughters, Linda and husband Terry Lynn, Karen Javete, all of Escalon, and Laura and husband Rick Merwin of Montana; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Raymond Vieira of Escalon; sister, Edna Freitas of Manteca.
He was preceded in death by his son, Richard A. Vieira Jr.; son-in-law, Steve Javete; brothers, Ernest and Wilbert Vieira.
Memorial Mass was Friday, Feb. 4 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with burial following at St. John's Cemetery.
Arrangements by Deegan Funeral Chapel in Escalon; visit the website at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Community Hospice, or to a charity of your choice.
The Escalon
