Richard Aldama Sr.'s Obituary
Sacramento, California - Richard Aldama passed away on January 18, 2025 at the age of 95 years. He was born on December 22, 1929 in Mendota, California to Rosendo and Esperanza (Gonzales) Aldama. At an early age, his family moved to Fresno where he and his brother started grammar school.
The agricultural work that was a large part of his, his siblings, and his parents lives gave his family the income they needed to survive. It instilled in him the importance of working hard to raise a family.
After graduating high school, he married his high school sweetheart, Velia Verdin, on November 10, 1948, in Fresno, CA. The day after, they moved to Sacramento, where they began a lifelong commitment to each other and their family. Velia passed away on March 5, 2015, after 66 years of marriage.
Upon his arrival in Sacramento, Richard worked for Campbell Soup Company; however, most of his employment years were at Pureta Sausage and Made-Rite Sausage companies. He also worked for Wonder Bread.
Richard and Velia started their family at the early age of 19. From that point, they dedicated the rest of their years to raising their four children, and then children from the generations that followed. Family was their top priority. They both set excellent examples and filled their home with love and security.
After retirement, he was able to dedicate more time to help with work around the house, including the kitchen. He was famously known for his cinnamon bread and salsa. He was also known for his sense of humor. Had he ever entered a corny pun or joke contest he would have walked away the winner!
Richard is survived by three brothers and two sisters, and his son Richard Jr. (Deborah), daughter Valerie (Jim), son Ernest (Marcella), and son Carlos (Debbie). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren, many of whom he and Velia cared for during their childhood years. He was also preceded in death by one brother, two sisters, and two grandchildren.
He will be missed by all that knew him. Richard and Velia are together again.
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