Richard Anthony Santos

Richard Anthony Santos, retired instructor of Linguistics and English as a Second Language at Fresno City College, died on December 22, 2022. Dr. Santos was a passionate educator and a beloved presence in Fresno's academic community. He transformed students' lives for over four decades, both in the Central Valley and abroad.

Rick was devoted to his wife and children and enjoyed sharing adventurous recipes and wine with family and friends at their Fresno home and cabin at Shaver Lake. He was a bridge builder who forged connections with people across different walks of life. Many will remember his humorous story-telling ability and broad knowledge of subjects ranging from anthropology to cosmology.

In 1983, after earning his Master's Degree in Linguistics- English as a Second Language at CSUF, Rick and his wife Jeannie led their young family to Nagoya, Japan where he worked for four years as an English instructor at Nanzan University Junior College, while she taught in the high school. They valued diversity and wanted their children to experience what it is like to be viewed as "different" and to develop a level of empathy for the generations of new immigrants whose experiences would continue to enrich the Santos family's lives. After returning to Fresno in 1987, Rick and Jeannie taught together at Fresno Adult school where they co-wrote and team-taught in an innovative orientation program. In these classrooms, it was not uncommon for students who had previously fought on opposing sides of conflicts overseas to partner together in the formidable task of learning English.

Rick became a full-time instructor at Fresno City College in 1993, where he forged beautiful friendships with his colleagues, lasting relationships with his students, and held leading roles on many committees, the Academic Senate, and student organizations. In 2001, he taught at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand through the teacher exchange program at Fresno City College.

In 2011, he earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership, publishing a dissertation on improving participatory governance through collaborative communication. As an administrator, Dr. Santos served as Interim Vice President at Reedley Community College and later as Interim Dean of Business at FCC.

Rick was born on May 17, 1955 in Selma, California to Robert and Beverly Santos. He had fond memories of growing up in the small community of Reedley and often recounted adventures and antics from parochial school, drive-in movie discounts with a trunk full of teens, Kings River float downs, and annual Portuguese fiestas. Spending most of his childhood training, Rick was an avid swimmer, which earned him a full college scholarship.

Rick loved working on outdoor home and cabin projects, seeking unique flora and creating serene areas to relax and contemplate. He proudly nurtured his orchids into multiple blooms. He treasured walks in botanical gardens, nurseries, mountain trails, and especially at his family's favorite camping spot at Prairie Creek.

Rick found great joy in diverse genres of music, a deep appreciation that provided the soundtrack for many family road trips. He was very proud that his children excelled in the two areas most dear to him-- Rusty became an avant garde music producer and Sarah a leader in education.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife Jeannie, son Rusty Santos, daughter Sarah Grijalva and her husband Eric, brother Steven, sister Bobbie Sano and her husband Greg, brother David and his wife Debbie, and grandchildren Trinity Jean and Vincent Anthony Grijalva.

Due to weather complications, the memorial has been moved to Fresno City College at 2 pm in the Old Administration Building Auditorium. Parking is free, and most convenient in lot B off of Van Ness.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances made to the State Center Community College Foundation 1171 Fulton Street, Fresno, California 93721 US. in the name of "Dr. Richard Santos ESL/EMLS Memorial Scholarship" would be greatly appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Santos family.