Richard Paggi

Richard M. Paggi was born in Tulare, on December 19, 1934, and died on September 17, 2017. His parents, Moses and Agnes Belezzuoli Paggi, farmed in Tipton. He has a brother, Fred Paggi. He graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1953 and played football for the Redskin Varsity team. He was also involved with FFA and Young Farmers of Porterville. Richard married Judy Giffin on September 22, 1956. They had one daughter, Suellen Mendonsa Horton and son-in-law, Bob, and one granddaughter, Jennifer Mendonsa Thornton, who is married to Brian Thornton. Richard was a completely devoted family man, and his great greatsons, Ryker and Reece Thornton were the “apples of his eye”. Richard and Judy farmed, and lived, in Tipton for 40 years. After he retired, in 1995, they moved to Tulare. They were involved with the sons of Italy for 60 years. They volunteered for the Tulare Ag Show, and Richard was the 1988 Chairman. He also volunteered for the Antique Farm Show, and was the 2004 Chairman. He was also a lifetime member of the Condor Model Airplane Club. Everyone could depend on Richard’s ability to cook delicious Italian food, and he prepared polenta, for many years, for friends and the volunteers. Richard was a kind, generous and dependable man. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. A Memorial Service will take place Tuesday, September 26, 2017, 10:30 am at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 125 E. Pleasant Ave., Tulare, CA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera or a charity of your choice.