Richard Orsua
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Orsua, Sr. on March 27th 2021 in Camarillo, CA. Richard suffered bravely through a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, but now “all the restless tossing” is passed. You are now safe in Heaven, and inside our hearts.
Richard was born on August 24th, 1948 in Santa Barbara, CA where he attended Santa Barbara High School. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam war. Upon returning to Santa Barbara, he embarked on a career with the United States Postal Service. He spent 40 years there in various management roles spanning the distance of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties.
Richard was a beautiful and complex person. He led his life with courage, strength, perseverance, and with the idea to find-a-way despite the challenges he faced. He often quoted the phrase “I think I can, I think I can…” (from the childrens’ book The Little Engine That Could) to his daughter, Megan. This encouraged her to overcome her own oppositions.
With his strong appearance and personality also came a gentle touch and demeanor. One may not have noticed that he was a cat-lover, or that he didn’t like hunting game because he could never bring himself to harm an animal.
Chapter 1: Childhood Fun, Santa Barbara, CA.
Richard was the grandson of Perciliano and Lucia Orsua. Having a large network of cousins, aunts, and uncles, Richard enjoyed fun in the sun while growing up in Santa Barbara. There was nothing better than swimming at East Beach, scamping around town, or indulging in a loaf of freshly baked bread from the Wonder Bread store. He attended Franklin Elementary School as a boy.
Chapter 2: Richie
Richard married Mary Alice Pulido in 1971. They bore a son, Richard “Richie” Orsua Jr., in 1972. Being a proud father, Richard enjoyed little league with Richie, playing tennis, and trading baseball cards.
Chapter 3: Megan
By 1981, Richard remarried to Patricia Marie Fagan. Together they bore a daughter, Megan Orsua, in 1984. With his little girl, Richard enjoyed swimming, bike-riding, and taking family vacations. He also spent countless holidays and family celebrations with the entire Fagan family, who he loved and respected very much.
Chapter 4: Boris
By 1999, Richard remarried to Alma Orozco. Through this marriage, Richard would find another special component of his life: stepchildren. This especially showed in his connection to his stepson, Boris Palencia. Richard enjoyed being a vital part of Boris’ life, sharing love, kindness, and friendship. Richard would influence Boris’ decision to become a marine, and also showed him with grace an example of what a loving father could be.
Chapter 5: Tino, Magsy, and Coey
One of the greatest joys to Richard’s life arrived when he became a grandfather to Valentino, Magdalena, and Francisco. What warmth and cheer his heart would emit when the kids exclaimed, “Hi Grandpa!” and embraced him in hugs. Never would my dad, Richard, miss a chance to visit, go out for a bite, take a trip to the mall, or park. His schedule revolved around the kids’ activities – soccer, taekwondo, basketball, tennis, and gymnastics, just to name a few.
Dad always tried to live life to the fullest without regrets. Of all the many chapters in his life, he valued each person God put before him. Richard was a truly devoted family man, avid golfer, good Samaritan, kind and generous friend – always willing to help someone in need.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Megan Lucia Orsua-Guerra (and her husband Joseph Guerra); their children, Valentino, Magdalena, and Francisco Guerra; his sister Martha Angeles; his stepson Boris Palencia, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his son, Richard “Richie” Orsua, Jr.; his mother, Pauline Flavia Orsua; and his grandparents, Perciliano and Lucia Orsua.
He will be greatly missed by all his family and by all who knew him.
A Rosary will be prayed for Richard at Perez Family Funeral Home in Camarillo on Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Assumption Church on Friday, April 23rd, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a burial at Calvary Cemetery in Santa Barbara.
Family will gather at a later date to celebrate his life.
Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory would be greatly appreciated.