December 2022
Robert “Rick” Ricordati, F173709, who served as FMCA national vice president, Western Area, from 2012 to 2014, passed away on August 12, 2022, at the age of 93.
Rick and his wife, Janice, joined FMCA in 1993 and recruited more than 50 members to join the association over the years. They were active in several chapters, with Rick holding leadership roles in the California and California Elk groups. He worked with chapter volunteer parking crews, served as a chapter trail boss, and participated on chapter committees.
At the area level, Rick served three times as co-rally master before being elected national vice president. Other Western Area duties included roles as southern area vice president, safety officer, and captain of RV displays.
Rick’s FMCA commitments at the national level included serving on the Membership/Member Services, Convention, and Long Range and Development committees.
Jon Walker, FMCA immediate past national president, and his wife, Sondra, met the Ricordatis during Rick’s term as Western Area vice president. “Rick had such a pleasant personality and always had a positive outlook on people and life,” Jon said. “We looked forward to seeing and visiting with them each year at the Indio rally and at our meetings each year at FMCA international conventions.
“We will greatly miss Rick and his infectious smile,” Jon added.
Rick was born on June 28, 1929. He served in the United States Air Force and later worked in aircraft maintenance at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California. He was recruited for a position in the Space Division, ultimately retiring as director after overseeing the operations of three divisions and a technical library. He retired with 34 years of combined USAF civilian and military time.
Rick also served the community as a reading tutor for the City Library Literacy Program in Highland, California. He coached Little League baseball and Junior All American football. He belonged to the Elks and to the American Legion.
Services were held on September 16, 2022, in San Bernadino.