November 22, 2015
REST IN PEACE
A funeral mass will be celebrated on December 9th in Santa Cruz, for Richard Zonca who died at Dominican Hospital on November 22, 2015. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he was 85 years old. Rich graduated from St. Hedwick Preparatory High School, and the University of Detroit. He later moved to California and earned a master's degree in counseling and a teaching credential from USC. He taught high school sociology and business courses as well as working as a school counselor.
In the seventies Rich was employed by Blue Cross as an analyst. He moved to Santa Cruz where he was employed at Dominican Hospital in the business department. He was instrumental in the founding of Santa Cruz Hospice. He enjoyed working with young people and senior citizens alike, and became a certified financial planner. Rich was civic minded and volunteered his expertise in finances by serving 9 years as treasurer for the California Gray Bears, and as treasurer of GEMMA, an organization providing transitional housing for women. Rich was also active in the local SIRS. He and his wife Pat were long time parishioners of Holy Cross church.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Pat Zonca of Santa Cruz, and many loving friends, colleagues, young people, and seniors whose lives he helped better through his compassion and knowledge. One of 14 children, he was preceded in death by 10 siblings, and leaves his two brothers, Barney and Don, and his sister Virginia.
Friends and family will gather on Wednesday, December 9th at Holy Cross Church (126 High Street in Santa Cruz) at 2 PM where the funeral mass will be celebrated. A private committal will take place at a later date. Any kind acts of charity can be made in his memory to California Gray Bears, St. Francis Soup Kitchen and Encompass Community Services (GEMMA).
Richard was ordained 1957 for OFM Conventual from Assumption (Minnesota). He made his transition in 1971 and married Patricia a former Dominican Sister in 1972. He joined CORPUS in 1987 and they attended several CORPUS National Conferences.