Mr. Richard Caspar Prima

Richard C. Prima, Sr. passed away on Nov. 1, 2011. Richard was born on Jan. 21, 1923, in New Orleans, LA, to Gaspare and Marie Tranchina Prima. After the death of Gaspare, Marie moved her young family to Stockton, in 1928. Richard attended St. Agnes' Elementary School, and St. Mary's High School. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Richard enlisted in the US Navy, and proudly served as a Pharmacist's Mate on the USS Louisville, which saw heavy action in the Pacific from 1943 to early 1945. Richard served in the Navy until Dec. 16, 1945. He returned to Stockton, marrying the love of his life, Emily Passadore. Richard and Emily had seven children, ever a source of pride and joy to them both. Richard had a long career as sausage maker and ham curer in his family's local business, Alpine Packing Company, until his retirement in 1983. Richard was a proud and active member of the Karl Ross Post of the American Legion, and the Stockton YMI.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Laura Kaeslin, and his son, Anthony Prima. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Emily Prima, and children, Richard Prima, Jr. (Marilyn), of Lodi, Stephanie Prima-Sarantopulos (Jeffry), of Friday Harbor, WA, Lisa Cunningham (Mark), of Stockton, Christopher Prima (Suzan), of Applegate, Teresa Morley (Dan), of Pleasanton, and Margaret Verbeck (Rod) of Orange. Further, he is survived by his grandchildren, Ben and Molly Prima, Todd and Brian Sarantopulos, Charles, Cedric and Annamarie Cunningham, Frank and Marie Morley, and Crystal Prima-Lang. Additional survivors include Judy Prima and the many members of the Kaeslin and Passadore families.