Richard "Richie" Saldivar Pineda

   Richard Saldivar Pineda was a caring, devoted, fun-loving, and remarkable son, brother, godfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was born on November 23, 1976, in Manila, Philippines, to Ricardo Pineda and our late mother, Emerita Saldivar Pineda. He was the third eldest of four children. The family immigrated to Los Angeles, California, where Richard was raised and lived through eternal rest after battling cancer. 

   Richard attended Lockwood Avenue Elementary School, where he was awarded Student of the Month, twice. Then attended Thomas Starr King Junior High School and graduated from John Marshall High School (Class of 1995) in the Los Feliz area of L.A. He was a competitive athlete in track and field, cross-country, and football while earning multiple medals and recognitions. Following high school, he worked for Nordstrom at various locations for eight years. 

   Moreover, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, attaining the rank of Lance Corporal. He deployed to Iraq in the mid-2000s, where he earned his Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) eligibility. After the war, he became an Honorably Discharged Veteran following a traumatic brain injury. Richard served as Post Commander of Post 3208 for two years during the Covid pandemic. He continued his service to the Post in the office of Trustee. Richard participated in the Post Color Guard and Honor Guard for various events and services. He was a member of the Post Rifle Team and an enthusiastic volunteer for many of the Post’s community events. Richard was a VFW Bronze Legacy Life Member of the VFW, a Life Member of the Military Order of the Cootie, and a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). In fact, in 2009, renowned L.A. Times columnist, Steve Lopez wrote about Richard in the newspaper for his inspiring story as a recovering disabled veteran while participating in a surfing event for veterans with disability.  At an awards ceremony after the surfing, Richard received an award for riding the longest wave.

   Richard was also an active parishioner of Our Mother of Good Counsel Church (OMGC) in Los Feliz/L.A while serving as a member of the OMGC Fil-Am Ministry, and for the Christmas Simbang Gabi and several other church events. In the past, along with mom, he also committed his time to feeding and cooking for the homeless with the ministry and Society of St. Vincent de Paul. 

   In his spare time, he enjoyed watching L.A. sports teams such as the Dodgers, Lakers, Rams, USC football and basketball with family members and friends. He also relished traveling, surfing, golfing, snowboarding, dining, wine tasting, playing poker/cards, going to casinos, buying lottery tickets, shopping at the farmers market, attending friends' and family gatherings, and watching sitcoms and movies at the theater. He had an opportunity to travel all around the U.S. with other veterans while participating in conventions and conferences. 

   Richard is survived by his father, Ricardo; sister, Christine and brother-in-law, Joe Repuyan; and brothers, Christian and Ryan Saldivar Pineda.  Richard also leaves behind a handful of childhood friends, friends from near and far. Fostering life long friendships was important to Richie. He made friends from all walks of life. We thank each of you for being part of his beautiful life here on earth. Our beloved, Richard with his beautiful smile and dimples will be missed tremendously by all who knew him. May you rest in eternal paradise, Richie. 

   Funeral arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Glendale, CA.