Richard King passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, in Manteca, California, at the age of 93. Born on November 15, 1931, in Nebraska to the late Lawrence and Minnie King, Richard lived a full and vibrant life rooted in family, faith, and community.
He was reunited in heaven with the love of his life, Dorothy King, who preceded him in death in 2022. Married for 71 years, their enduring partnership was blessed with four children; Michael King; Mark King and his wife Arlene; Karen King and her husband Gene Gomas; and Bruce King and his late wife Tina. Richard was a proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren; Gina Carruesco, Becca King, Jennifer King Vijil, Courtney Gomas, Nathan Gomas, Julie King, Mariann Reynolds, Mallory King, Monica Coldiron, Melissa King, and Jon Cooley, and a great-grandfather to fourteen great-grandchildren.
A longtime member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Richard served two years in the United States Army before dedicating over six decades to his craft as a carpenter and lather. He was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to his trade.
Richard had a deep love for the outdoors and cherished time spent camping and fishing with his family. A passionate sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, San Francisco 49ers, and Giants. He proudly wore #7 as the starting quarterback for the Manteca Buffaloes in 1950—a memory he held dear throughout his life. Known for his outgoing nature and playful sense of humor, Richard found joy in simple pleasures like watching planes at the airport or traveling across the country in an RV with Dorothy. His warmth and zest for life touched all who knew him.
P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the King family. A Viewing will begin on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 9 a.m. A Rosary will begin at
10:30 a.m. at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca, CA. A Funeral Mass will be held on July 30, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 505 E. North Street, Manteca, CA and a burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, 17871 Carrolton Road, Escalon. An online guestbook is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, July 25, 2025
