Rick was born on January 12 in Fresno, California to Gonzalo and Teresa Tavarez; he was one of fourteen siblings. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1963 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force immediately after where he served in Vietnam. When his tour of duty was over, he returned to Fresno to work at Dow Chemical Company. He met the love of his life, Jo-Ann (Lopopolo), and the two were married on September 27, 1969; five years later they had their son, Richard “Richie.” Rick joined the Fresno Police Department not long after his marriage and proudly wore the badge for close to thirty years.
Rick loved music and had a talent for playing the guitar; spending time with nephews in “jam” sessions. Rick also loved painting, drawing, baking, and gardening; he truly had a green thumb. If a hobby piqued his interest, he was not afraid to try it with the results turning out better than he would have ever thought. He had a love for all animals but was fond of his Great Danes and Bassett Hounds. He was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and compassionate spirit.
Rick is preceded in death by his wife, Jo-Ann, his parents, Gonzalo, and Teresa Tavarez, as well as his siblings and other loved ones who touched his life in one way or another. He is survived by his son, Richard, his brothers Salvador Tavarez, Raymond Tavarez, Gilbert Tavarez, and his sister, Sally Rocha, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and in-laws.
Visitation on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
Rosary on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
Funeral & Mass on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church,
2838 N. West Ave., Fresno, CA 93705 graveside services immediately followed at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flower donations to: Fresno Police Chaplaincy, 3845 N. Clark St. Suite 201, Fresno, CA 93726, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Administration Office, 1250 W. Olive Ave., Fresno, CA 93728, Hinds Hospice, For Development, 2490 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711.
