Richard Cuaron

Richard Cuaron, age 69, of Fresno, California passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024, surrounded by family after a battle with a rare cancer. Richard was born in Long Beach, California on July 17, 1955. He shared a birthday with Disneyland, the happiest place on earth, where he loved spending time with his family.

Richard was born to Peter David Cuaron (†) and Mercedes Garcia (†), along with 8 brothers and sisters: Peter Cuaron (Ruby Cuaron), Geri Valencia (Javier Valencia), Mona Wysong (Jim Wysong), Danny Cuaron (Sandra Cuaron), Doreen Cuaron, Paul Cuaron, Maria Cuaron, and Gino Cuaron (†) (Delores Cuaron). The family was raised in Carson, CA where Richard played the flute and attended Carson High School while working at a local grocery store. During his high school years, he met his beloved wife, Magdalena (Nena) Cuaron. Richard later began a career in the aerospace industry, where his work proudly supported the stealth bomber projects. After welcoming three children, Richard and Magdalena moved to Moreno Valley, CA and eventually relocated to Madera, CA, where they built the family home they lived in for 30 years.

Richard was the proud father of three children: Sabrina Cuaron Lyles (John Lyles, Jr), Jeremiah Cuaron (Lorena Magana), and Shaun Cuaron (Ana Cuaron). Relocating to Madera, CA provided Richard with a break from commuting to LA for work and afforded him an opportunity to coach a variety of youth sports at Sacred Heart School, including baseball, basketball, and football.

One of Richard’s passions was building relationships with people, including family, friends, and strangers alike. This combined with his endless empathic need to take care of everyone brought forth his successful lengthy career in the local automotive industry, where he became the “go-to” person if you had any issues with your vehicle. Folks around town knew him as the manager at Firestone and later at Good Guys Tire. In 2018, he retired from his Store Manager position at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts in Clovis, CA. In each instance, his hard work, business sense and integrity resulted in multiple company sales records being set along with many satisfied loyal customers.

In February 1998, Richard’s first grandchild, Ariana Cuaron was born to Jeremiah Cuaron and Angelica Nunez. Though Richard was a grandpa, Ariana lovingly called him “dad,” which sometimes received funny looks from strangers—Richard would laugh, saying, “she’s my granddaughter.” In December 2012, Jeremiah and Sophia Carlos welcomed Richard’s second grandchild, Josiah Cuaron. In March 2014, Shaun and Ana Cuaron welcomed Richard’s third grandchild, Joaquin Cuaron. In addition to Ariana, Josiah and Joaquin, Richard also lovingly embraced two step-grandchildren: Lazaya Flores and Scottie Lobato, Senior Airman USAF. In September 2023, a great-grandchild, Karter, was born to Ariana and her husband, Kory Bier. Richard’s heart was completely full, and he still made space in his home for his adopted dogs, Peaches and Zoey, who served as loyal companions to the very end.

Richard’s lifetime of experiences and milestones were shared with his beloved wife of 47 years, Magdalena (Nena) Cuaron. Though they attended rival high schools, mutual friends introduced them, and their journey began. They lovingly lived their marriage vows and instilled their children with values and integrity. Richard and Nena sacrificed material things so their children would have access to a Catholic school education, in the hope of providing Sabrina, Jeremiah and Shaun with opportunities their parents didn’t have access to in their lives. Richard and Nena loved life, cherished their marriage, and discovered a love for travel around their 25th wedding anniversary. They were empty nesters and could finally splurge on something just for themselves. They embarked on cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and even traveled up and down the coast in their travel trailer. Richard adored his wife Nena, and his final request was, “take care of mom.”

Richard will always be remembered for his compassion and desire to help others. He will be remembered as a loving husband, protective father, and doting grandfather. Richard will be remembered for his smile, his silliness and his love for all things Disney, especially his favorite chorus from Peter Pan:

When there's a smile in your heart

There's no better time to start

Think of all the joy you'll find

When you leave the world behind

And bid your cares goodbye

You can fly, you can fly

You can fly, you can fly, you can fly

Richard was a man of faith whose soul now rests with the Lord, and we look forward to one day rejoicing together in heaven.