Richard Jean Faulconer

Richard Jean Faulconer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, on his 83rd birthday.

Richard was born a French citizen on December 29, 1942, in Biskra, in the French Department of Constantine, Algeria, to Alfred "Julien" Gamin and Lucienne Brugerolles. His early years took him across the Middle East, including time in Iran and Afghanistan. He later immigrated to the United States with his mother, Lucienne, his stepfather, Frank Faulconer, and his younger brother, Ronald. Richard became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1968 in Sacramento, California, taking the Faulconer name as his own.

Richard served in the United States Army Field Artillery in 1965, then pursued his education, earning an Associate Degree from Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington, in 1969 and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento.

In 1974, Richard met Cherie through a mutual friend at church. On November 1, 1975, Richard and Cherie were married and sealed for time and all eternity at the Oakland Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They shared 45 years of marriage and were blessed with two children and eight grandchildren.

Richard had an entrepreneurial spirit and a diverse career. As a young man, he ran the commissary at the US embassy in Afghanistan and later a family store in Iran. He and his brother Ronald owned and operated a lapidary shop in Kennewick, WA. He also built a career in the grocery industry as a Produce Manager and Produce Buyer at Safeway and Vic's IGA. Additionally, he prepared taxes and managed several real estate properties.

Richard dedicated more than three decades to youth soccer in the Sacramento region. He served as President of River City Soccer Club and President of CYSA District 6 (California Youth Soccer Association North), and coached for both River City and Rosemont Soccer Club. After retiring, he continued giving back as a high school referee and later as a referee assignor.

Richard loved his family and, like all of us, experienced both strengths and struggles throughout his life. Known as “Grandpa” and "Grandpa Pepe," he enjoyed poolside time with family, attending grandkids' games and performances, watching sports, and indulging in Taco Bell, Subway, Diet Pepsi, and obscene amounts of chocolate.

Richard was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his faith remained an essential part of his life. He and Cherie served a full-time senior mission together in the Florida Gainesville Mission. He also served as an Ordinance Worker at the Sacramento Temple, among other callings throughout his life. We know he is overjoyed to be reunited with Cherie.

Richard was preceded in death by his grandson, Dylan, his brother Roland and his wife, Cherie Lorraine Harris Faulconer. He is survived by his children, Francesca (Kalen) and Brian (Lori); seven grandchildren: MaryEllen, Brianna, Henry, Emmett, Isabella, Finnley, and Sophia; his brother Ronald (Mary); and extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brighton Ward Chapel, located at 3001 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, California 95826.

A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at the same location.

A luncheon will follow after the graveside service back at the Wisseman Building at 1PM. All are welcome to attend.