Richard Ambrose Farias (89), known to many as “Cardy,” was born December 7, 1925 in Culver City, CA , to Eugene Joseph and Juanita Peralta Farias. He was 89-years-old when he passed Wednesday, January 14, 2015, with his daughter, Carla, at his bedside.
The Farias family moved to the Dixieland area in the late twenties where Cardy attended Dixieland School. In 1943, he graduated from Madera High School and enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He served with the 8th Air Force, 493rd Bomb Group as a B-17 belly gunner and flew 25 missions while stationed in Debach, England.
When World War II ended Cardy returned to Madera and began a career as a plumber, working many years for Warburton’s and then later with Purls Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning. In June 1950, he married Esther Marie Lopez. They had two children, Carla Farias Millar and Richard Eugene Farias.
His interest in athletics led him to getting involved with the local Madera Little League program as a coach/manager for nearly 60 years. The league honored him in 2004 by dedicating the score booth at the Little League field to him for his 50 years of service. The American League named the City Championship AA Division trophy in his honor to recognize his devoted service to the youths of Madera. After he retired from coaching, Cardy continued to go to the ballpark to watch the games behind home plate with his dear friend, Martha Morgan.
Cardy regularly attended spring training in Arizona, was a big fan of the San Francisco Giants, and attended 8th Air Force Reunions for over 30 years. He was an active member of the 493rd Bomb Group Memorial Association, the 8th Air Force Historical Society, and local VFW Post 1981. He was also an avid reader all his life and especially enjoyed reading books on the history of World War II.
In addition to his children and nieces and nephews, Cardy is survived by three brothers: Joe Farias of Hayward, CA, Phil Farias of Atlanta, GA, Conrad Rushing of Santa Rosa, CA, one sister, Juanita Broc of Haleiwa, HI, and longtime special friend, Martha Morgan.
The family would like to acknowledge and give a heartfelt thank you to the exceptional care the staff at Cedar Creek Senior Living, Westgate Manor, and the Veterans Administration Hospital provided for Cardy.
Graveside memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, 11:00 A.M. at Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera, CA
Memorial Contributions may be made in Cardy's memory to the following:
Fighting 493rd Bomb Group, c/o David J. Schmitt, 1392 Bufflehead Drive, Sparks, NV 89441-7854, Madera American Little League, PO Box 148, Madera, CA 93639 or Madera Historical Society, PO Box 159, Madera, CA 93639
