Richard David Pozzi, 75, a lifelong resident of King City, California, passed away as the sun set on October 2, 2026.

Richard was born on January 20, 1951, in Salinas, California, to Emilio and Mary Pozzi. His father immigrated to the United States from Switzerland, while his mother was born on her family’s dairy ranch off Metz Road in King City, California, to Swiss immigrant parents. Richard grew up in the family home in King City alongside his four siblings, Emil Jr., Gerald, Gregory, and Barbara. His father established the family’s bar and catering business in the 1930s, beginning a family tradition that would continue for generations.

From an early age, Richard developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. A longtime member of the Boy Scouts, he also spent much of his childhood working alongside his older brother, Emil Jr., learning traditional forestry practices, including brush burning, forest maintenance, and protecting the land from wildfire.

Richard attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School in King City from first through eighth grade before continuing his education at King City High School, where he graduated in 1969. Following graduation, he spent several summers working as a wildland firefighter, battling wildfires throughout California and further developing his knowledge of the forests and mountains he would come to know so well.

Richard eventually established his firewood business, Have Wood, Will Travel, which he operated for much of his adult life. Through his business, he spent countless days working throughout the ranches, hills, and forests of Monterey County, cutting, splitting, and delivering firewood.

For Richard, his work was more than a way to earn a living. It allowed him to spend his days in the mountains he loved while helping maintain the land, clearing brush and fallen timber, and reducing vegetation that could contribute to destructive wildfires.

Richard was known for his independence, determination, strong opinions, and willingness to speak his mind. Though he often preferred working alone, he thoroughly enjoyed the company of others. He loved telling stories, sharing his knowledge, and engaging in lively conversations with friends and family.

Beneath his sometimes-stubborn exterior was a generous and compassionate man who believed in treating people fairly. Through his firewood business, Richard was particularly mindful of elderly customers and veterans who depended on wood to heat their homes. When someone couldn’t afford to pay, he would deliver the wood anyway, trusting they would pay when they were able.

Richard also had a lifelong love of cooking and barbecuing, a passion he developed while helping his father with the family’s catering business. At the family establishment, Pozzi’s Stampede, he enjoyed preparing meals, particularly his ribeye steaks and prime rib. He took great pleasure in bringing people together over good food, conversation, and laughter.

The mountains remained central to Richard’s life. His family’s connection to the Los Padres National Forest extended across generations, beginning with the cabin his father so dearly loved in the Indians. Richard also spent countless days working alongside his older brother, Emil Jr., a back hills ranger who traveled by horseback and mule, clearing and maintaining trails throughout the Los Padres National Forest. Those experiences helped shape Richard’s lifelong knowledge of the forest and his deep respect for the land.

Richard later acquired his own cabin in the same area, which he rebuilt alongside his sons. Together, they created a place that became an important part of their family’s lives and a source of countless cherished memories.

Richard was a devoted father who raised his sons with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, sharing with them his knowledge of the mountains and the values that guided his own life. Through years of working and spending time together, he instilled in them the importance of hard work, perseverance, honesty, and always being a man of your word.

As a grandfather, Richard continued passing down his knowledge and love of the mountains to his five grandchildren. He enjoyed taking them to the cabin, teaching them to fish, sharing his knowledge of bushcraft, and showing them how to appreciate and care for the land.

Richard remained active outdoors and continued working until his illness made it impossible. Among his final projects was clearing brush and preparing the family’s cabins against the threat of nearby wildfires, a fitting reflection of the work and values that had shaped his entire life.

Richard is survived by his sons, David Joseph Pozzi and Natalia, and Richard David Pozzi; his five grandchildren, Andres Emilio Pozzi, Mary Adeline Pozzi, Emil Gerald Pozzi, Adeline Phoebe Pozzi, and Santino Bixbee Pozzi; and his siblings, Gerald Pozzi, Gregory and Ileen Pozzi, and Barbara Pozzi.

He is also survived by his niece, Anna Lisk; his great-niece, Josie May; and his great-great-niece, Jaeli Sinkler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emilio and Mary Pozzi; his oldest brother, Emil Pozzi Jr.; and his granddaughter, Angelina Bee Pozzi.

Richard’s legacy lives on in the mountains he cared for, the family he raised, and the generations who will continue to walk the trails he knew so well.

Funeral Services

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 16, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 504 N. Third St. in King City, California.

Viewing will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., followed by the Rosary from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. and Funeral Mass from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Richard’s life on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Pozzi’s Stampede in King City, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

A traditional Swiss meal of polenta and stew will be served between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., honoring Richard’s family heritage and his lifelong love of bringing people together over good food.

Friends and family are welcome to stay, visit, and share memories throughout the afternoon and evening.

For more information, please contact Eddington Funeral Services, King City, (831) 385-5400