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With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Richard F. Zamboni. Born August 31st, 1932 to Frank and Norda Zamboni, Richard passed away November 15th, surrounded by his family and friends at his home in Huntington Beach, California.
Born and raised in Paramount, California, Richard watched his father Frank help build two successful local businesses providing electrical contracting and a plant producing ice for homes and produce transportation. Seeing an opportunity for his ice plant, Frank created an ice rink with his brother Lawrence and cousin Pete. Richard was witness to his father’s development of the world’s first self-propelled ice resurfacing machine which Frank patented and introduced in 1949.
Richard joined his father’s fledgling manufacturing business in 1957 following his service in the Air Force. He worked tirelessly to support the growth and success of the company for more than seventy years, helping his father to build a product and brand which would become internationally renowned and revered.
Assuming leadership of the company as president in 1976, Richard traveled around the world visiting customers in countless arenas and ice rinks. He was deeply passionate about growing ice sports in North America and beyond, and devoted himself to supporting numerous industry associations that promoted ice skating. Working primarily from the company’s office in Paramount, California, he would be at his desk on a daily basis well into his ninth decade.
Married to his wife Alice in 1954, Richard and Alice have found comfort in their lives and in his passing through their Catholic faith and the support of their spiritual community. A special thank you to the Parish of St. Anne’s, for their love and guidance. www.stannesealbeach.org
Richard was a devoted family man and friend. He took great joy in bringing loved ones together, whether hosting friends at his and Alice’s home in Huntington Beach, organizing ski trips to Mammoth Mountain, or planning family reunions in Dana Point.
Richard is survived by his wife Alice, his five children, ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.