Richard Peter Amaro

Richard was born on January 8, 1921 and passed away on November 6, 2022. He was 101 years old.

Richard grew up with his two sisters in Oakland, California. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served on the USN LST 485 stationed in the Pacific Theater. After the war he met the love of his life, Evelyn, to whom he was married for 74 years. Together they moved to Lafayette and created their family business, General Plumbing Supply Company, which still operates today. Richard, being both gregarious and outgoing, excelled at making business connections and was active in many social clubs, business organizations and community groups including the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Posse, Freemasons, Elks Club, and Native Sons of the Golden West. In addition, he was a charter member of the Pleasant Hill Rotary Club and helped develop and nurture the international sister city program between Pleasant Hill and Chilpancingo, Mexico. 

Richard loved aviation and became an aircraft pilot at the age of 49. He was nicknamed “the Red Baron” by his flight instructor and he regularly flew throughout Northern California on business and leisure trips for the next 30 years. Whether it was short flights to Reno or Monterey, attending jazz music festivals, or taking customers on hunting trips, he loved flying. 

Above all, Richard loved his family. He is survived by his three sons Mark (Renee), Richard Jr. (Pam) and Austin (Joan), 10 grandchildren Stephen, Lisa, Aaron, Ryan, Amber, Amy, Austin, Adam, Christopher, and Shawn and 16 great grandchildren, Ashton, Soleil, Ciel, Clementine, Penelope, Gwenyth, Miyo, Avery, Aidan, Kaiden, Walker, Ariana, Chester, Evelyn, Lindsey, and Ashley. 

Richard is now joined with his wife Evelyn, his daughter Mary, and his sisters Edith and Marie. His family will miss him and always be thankful for the love and dedication he gave to everyone.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity organization of your choice as Richard always believed in making our communities better.

To honor Richard’s memory, friends and family are invited to his viewing on Monday, November 21 from 6:00-8:00PM at Oak Park Hills Chapel in Walnut Creek. A rosary will be held on Tuesday, November 22 at 11:00am and his funeral mass will follow at 11:30 at Christ the King Church in Pleasant Hill.

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