Richard James Tarabochia
January 16, 1950 - March 15, 2025
Obituary
Richard James Tarabochia passed away at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 15, 2025, after a long illness with Corticobasal Degeneration. He was born on January 16, 1950, in Seattle, Washington and just recently celebrated his 75th birthday with his wife, Donna, and his siblings and their spouses.
Richard grew up in West Seattle and attended Holy Rosary School and O’Dea High School. He briefly attended the University of Washington, but his passion for commercial fishing and following in his father and ancestor’s footsteps was in his blood. He fished the waters of Puget Sound each fall as well as Kodiak, Bristol Bay, and Prince William Sound, Alaska every summer. When not fishing, he drove a home delivery oil truck and was a proud member of Teamsters 174.
In 1974, Richard married Mary Kathleen Rabe in Seattle, Washington. They bought a house in West Seattle where they raised their three children. He mentored, coached, volunteered, and cheered at many of his kids’ sport teams including hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball, and softball. He enjoyed camping with friends, playing hockey, and being involved with his Croatian culture, including trips back to Croatia and his parents’ island, Susak. Richard was devastated when his wife, Kathy, died suddenly in February of 2004.
It was on a trip back to Croatia that he connected with fellow Seattle Junior Tamburitza parent, Donna Drake. They nurtured their bond and shared interests, ultimately marrying in April of 2008. Richard and Donna enjoyed Croatian and Italian events together, travelling, and spending time at their winter home in Indio, California as well as summers at their cabin in Ronald, Washington. They enjoyed retired life together and were always up for a gathering with friends and family.
Richard was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020 and with further testing, diagnosed with Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD). Even though his body couldn’t always do the things he wanted to do, he still enjoyed parties, trips to his vacation homes, and visits with friends and family. He never forgot the names of his wife, children, and grandchildren, even at the end. Those are the people he held most dear.
Richard is survived by his wife, Donna, and his children, Kristin (Jason) Boline, Ryan (Nicole) Tarabochia, Nick (April) Tarabochia, and stepdaughter, Sara Lucien. He was the best Peepa to Lana, Donovan, Carmella, Rosalea, and Thomas. He is also survived by his brother Martin (Karen) Tarabochia, and sisters, Nancy (Ron) Freeman, Karen (Mike) Mikacenic, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Carmen (Picinich) Tarabochia, and his first wife, Mary Kathleen (Rabe).
The family fondly thanks Richard’s caregivers, Ann and Teresia, for their loving care.
Memorials may be made to:
The Seattle Junior Tamburitzans
PO Box 77261
Seattle, WA 98177
or
seattlejuniortammies.org
“The fisherman knows that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” – Vincent Van Gogh You are loved by so many, Honey/Dad/Peepa. We will always keep your memory alive.
Condolences from the Picinich Family. John absolutely loved Richard. CP
Rest in peace, Richard. Xoxox
Our deepest condolences to the whole family. Cherish those many memories with love as he had for you.
I remember all the good times (and there were many) He was everyone’s “Uncle Richie”. My grandchildren remarked about how much fun he was to be around. That was his super power! I speak for many when I say “we needed more time together”.
Your family is in our prayers.
Brian and Kelly Tarabochia
I’ve known Richard since 1974 and my husband and I have so many great memories of camping trips with he and Kathy and kids. Richard was responsible for grilling salmon every year while camping and making homemade ice cream.
He loved his family and he’ll be missed.
Kristin, my heart is with you and your family. I may have thrown my softball mitt at your dad, but loved him very much. love you!
He was a good and honorable man and made our world a better place.
Sending our prayers for the entire family. Richard was a man among men. His joy and pride in all things Croatian will be a treasured memory. All our love,
Ken and Barb Malich
Loved you “Richie”. Loved your always smiling face. We need more like you.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.. Rip Richard!!
Heartfelt condolences for such a difficult loss. So many beautiful memories of his support and involvement with his wonderful Croatian community.
“ Strut” …the one and only! RIP.
Dear Richard will be so missed–brought so much joy to all those around him! So sorry for your loss Donna and the rest of the Tarabochia family.
Prayers and Love to you all!
Hey Richard, It’s your cousin Tommy. You know from when we both were about 6 or 7 years old we bonded together like two peas in a pod. What one didn’t think of the other did. Which at times led to mischief. But, somehow we got through it ok. And as time went on our friendship grew stronger. Do you remember what I told you while standing on the side of the Falcon waiting for it to take its final plunge. I said to ya, Well, we’ve been through a lot together and, in case this doesn’t turn out so well. I can’t think of anyone I’d want by my side than you Richard, I love ya.