Jon Richard Panecaldo, June 1972 portrait.  Photo from collection of Brian Kunde.

Rick was a life-long resident of Gridley, Butte County, California, living in his parents’ home at 783 Larkin Road from childhood through 2010.

Rick graduated from Gridley Union High School June 8, 1972, afterwards attending college at University of California, Berkeley, where he was a member of the Delta Deuteron Charge of Theta Delta Chi, and California State University, Chico, from which he received a Bachelor of Science degree.

He was employed for many years as a fieldman by Pacific Coast Producers, a California based producer of canned tomatoes and fruits. In his leisure time he enjoyed fly fishing and attending Cal Berkeley football games.

Rick died at home, possibly of a heart attack, at age 56 about Friday, July 30, 2010, following a Wednesday dinner out with his uncle Robert V. Kunde and a Thursday visit with his ailing mother. The body was discovered by Robert V. Kunde on the morning of Tuesday, August 3, 2010. A memorial service was held Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Yuba City, Pastor Chris Kersting officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel. Inurnment was at the Gridley-Biggs Cemetery.