10/05/2026
In Memory of Richard
It is with a very heavy heart that I remember and honor Richard—a true pillar of the Kings County community and a tireless advocate for our seniors.
Richard served as a Board Member for Kings County Commission on Aging from 2008 until his passing. Before that, he served as a Kings County Supervisor, and throughout his years of public service, one thing was always clear: Richard cared deeply about people, and he especially cared about the seniors in our community.
Richard was never afraid to speak up when something wasn't right. He didn't walk on eggshells, and he certainly didn't worry about whether everyone agreed with him. When he believed something was right, he stood his ground and fought for it. He was outspoken, honest, and determined—and those qualities made him such a strong advocate for the seniors of Kings County.
He wasn't just a board member who attended meetings. Richard showed up. He worked our senior events, stood alongside us, visited with our seniors, and was always willing to lend a hand. His presence became such an important part of our events that it was hard to imagine them without him.
One of the memories I will treasure most happened just recently, at our Senior Picnic on September 18. Richard's son, Keith, brought him to the picnic, and everyone was so happy to see him. You could feel the joy when people saw Richard at the park.
Even then, Richard wasn't thinking about himself. The thing he was most worried about was not being able to work. That was Richard—always wanting to contribute, always wanting to help, and always wanting to be there for others.
But we didn't need Richard to work that day. We didn't need him to do anything for us. We were simply thankful to have him in our presence. Having him there, surrounded by the seniors and people he had served for so many years, was a gift that I will always cherish.
Shirley, thank you for talking Richard into coming to the picnic. And Keith, thank you for bringing your dad. I hope you both know how much that meant to me. I am so grateful that Richard was able to be there with us that day, surrounded by so many of the people he had spent his life serving.
In June, we had an event in Armona and another in Corcoran that Richard was unable to attend because of his illness. He called me to let me know how much he hated that he couldn't come. That phone call meant so much to me because it showed just how much he loved being with our seniors and being part of our events.
Richard was also a devoted family man. He talked about Shirley and his children often, and you could hear the love and pride in his voice whenever he spoke about them. His family was clearly at the center of his heart.
And Richard had a way of making people feel like family.
I will never forget one thing he said to me. Richard was so giving and so generous of heart that he once told me, “Tell your husband if he needs an uncle, I'll be his uncle.”
That was Richard. He didn't just offer friendship—he offered family. He had a big heart, and he was the kind of person who made you feel that you had someone in your corner.
In 2022, Richard gave me another very special gift that I will carry with me always. He nominated me to be recognized during Kings County's Women's History Month celebration. That recognition meant so much to me—not only because of the honor itself, but because it came from Richard. He believed in recognizing the contributions of others, and he made sure that people who deserved to be recognized were given that opportunity.
But perhaps what I will remember most about Richard is something much simpler.
Every time he saw me, he would say,
“How's Miss Bobbie today?”
Those words may seem small, but they weren't. They were Richard. They were warm, familiar, and personal. They were his way of checking in and letting me know he cared.
Richard leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his years of public service. He leaves behind the many people he helped, the seniors he fought for, the community he served, and the people whose lives he touched along the way.
He stood up for what he believed was right. He spoke up when others might have remained silent. He showed up when he was needed. And until his health prevented him from doing so, he continued to be there for the seniors he loved and served.
Kings County has lost a remarkable public servant, our agency has lost a dedicated board member, our seniors have lost a powerful advocate, and I have lost someone who meant a great deal to me.
Richard, thank you for standing up for our seniors. Thank you for always speaking your mind. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for all the years you gave to our agency and our community. Thank you for sharing your family, your friendship, your humor, and your heart with all of us.
And most of all, thank you for always asking,
“How's Miss Bobbie today?”
I will miss hearing those words more than you know.
Rest peacefully, Richard. Your voice, your advocacy, your kindness, and your legacy will not be forgotten.
