Richard Michael Lombardi

Richard Michael Lombardi, 82, died on May 28th, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Irvine, CA. His courage and perseverance were evident in everything he did, and Rich faced his battle with cancer in exactly this way.

Richard was born in Flushing, New York, to Michael J Lombardi and Anna Botta, and he was proud of his humble beginnings. He attended Riverhead High School and kept ties with his class of 1958 through many reunions. This is just one example of the multitude of connections, friendships, mentorships, and relationships he made and kept over his lifetime.

After graduating from Manhattan College with a degree in Civil Engineering, Rich moved to Southern California and met Jackie at Catholic Alumni Club. He once reflected that he was really glad Jackie paid attention to him! Rich and Jackie married, and enjoyed 51 years of love and devotion, watching their children grow and have families of their own, experiencing the exhilarating highs and difficult lows of being parents and grandparents. Rich was, at his very core, a family man. He always inquired about the details of each grandchild’s world: their sports, their academic pursuits, their interests.

He valued time and travel with family over everything else. Richard had the goal of visiting 100 countries and he came pretty close. When he traveled, he wanted to learn everything he could about the places he visited and the people who lived there. At the end of the day though, Rich and Jackie loved nothing more than to play cards and games with their grandkids. Just days before his death, Grandpa played (and won) a game of Cribbage with two of his grandchildren.

Professionally, Richard moved from Engineering to Commercial Real Estate. He also had a passion for financial planning and was an educator in both fields, receiving recognition for his commitment to teaching. He lived and taught his values.

Richard absolutely relished discussing ideas with others, including those who disagreed with him. Many years ago, to improve his ability to express himself, Rich joined Toastmasters and eventually furthered the organization’s mission through leadership and mentoring. Over the last decades, he became deeply invested in the concept of constitutional freedom and was actively involved in supporting and advancing this cause.

Richard is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; his daughter, Angela and her husband, Jeffrey; his daughter-in-law Christy and her husband Christopher; his grandchildren, Cole, Leah, Dylan, Emily, and Ashley. Richard is predeceased by his son, Gregory.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Richard may be made to the Richard and Jacqueline Lombardi Merit Scholarship at Hillsdale College. Make checks payable to Hillsdale College: 33 E. College Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242.