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Rickey Joseph 'Rick' Arata passed away on July 22, 2009 in Napa, California at the age of 64.
Rick was a fourth generation descendant of the Arata Family, who first settled in Napa in 1866. Rick attended local schools, including Westwood Elementary, Ridgeview Junior High, and Napa High, where he was a two-year member of the varsity football team. He was also active in Ship 90 as a Sea Scout aboard the SSS Chaser.
Rick married classmate Dorothy Gould in 1963. He served in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966. Rick began his work career with Pacific Gas and Electric Company as a pipe welder. In 1971, he opened Arata's Texaco Station at Lincoln and Soscol Avenues. Then in 1976, the Aratas acquired Storck's Garage, which Rick operated until selling it to his two sons in 2008.
Rick was active in his community: a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer/Napa Valley Lutheran Church for 58 years; a member of the Bay Cities Racing Association; the Native Sons of the Golden West Napa Parlor No. 62; and the Napa High Alumni Association. Rick was a member and past president of the Napa Valley Winetaster's Society, a charter member of Copia, and a supporter of the Napa Valley Opera House. He also volunteered for various organizations including the Queen of the Valley Medical Center Foundation, the Napa Valley Marathon, and Auction Napa Valley.
Rick also served the Class of 1962 as a member of the Reunion Committee for many years.
Rick is survived by his wife Dorothy, two sons, his mother, two sisters, and four grandchildren.
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William 'Bill' Crowley
Rick and I became friends in Marvin Vincent's auto shop class in our junior year at Napa High. We both thought we knew more about cars than Mr. Vincent! While still in high school, we began building a car to run at the drags in a rented garage -- our 'man cave' -- on Silverado Trail at the Soda Canyon Store. When he was home on leave from the Navy, we took my go-cart out to the abandoned Shipyard Acres and took turns racing around the empty streets. Rick managed to flip it, and in the process chipped a tooth. When he returned to his Navy base, he was reprimanded for "damaging Government property." After his service time, we partnered on a sprint car, which we raced at Calistoga and other tracks around California for two seasons. That car is still in our families; his sons & I are working to restore it at their Storck's Garage business. Rick left us way too soon; in 2009, a year which also took my brother-in-law Walt James, and our good friend/Kathy's employer Mike Sheridan. We were glad to see that year disappear in our rear view mirror!
Sprint Car -- first race: May 19, 1968
Thomas 'Tom' Johnston Jr.
I too miss Rick. I first met Rickey in the 3rd grade at Westwood School. His mom and dad actually went to school with my mom and dad at Napa High. I visited him often at Storck's Garage where we had some great conversations about old Napa, great times at Napa High, and talking about racing and old Fords. Yes he left us way too soon. I still stop in at Storck's to talk to his boys and also have them do some work on my old Fords. We're still riding the train and Rick got off at the last station, but he is still remembered by many of us.
Judith 'Judy' Libby (Kardy)
Both Rick and Dorothy . . . kind, loving people. I hope that their boys are able to read the comments that have shown up on this site. Bill, I enjoyed reading yours especially. Rick has touched all of us in different ways, and it is really nice to see that we all have been able to have known Rick in special times during our lives.
William 'Bill' Moody
Rick lived a full life, and was fortunate to have Dorothy as his life mate. Really appreciate the outline of his life story. Didn't know of his long family history in Napa County. In fact, during his 1860s family generation, mine were adjoining in Rockville (just west of Fairfield) . . . just a set of hills away. RIP
Bill Moody
Diane Harris (Day)
I loved Rick as a classmate in high school. We had some great conversations and lots of laughs. I was lucky to have known him; he was very special.
Patricia 'Pat' Brunson (Kaminska)
I remember when my husband and I came to the one of the reunions. Our boys were with us and we met everyone the day before for a picnic. Everyone was so nice and Rick stopped and talk to our boys. My oldest was (and still is) car crazy, just like his dad. Rick invited the boys over to his garage. They were so excited. That's all they talked about on the way home. It was such a nice thing he did, and the boys still talk about that reunion as if it was theirs. Thank you for your kindness Rick. To your family, I am so sorry about your loss. My Prayers go out to you.
Pat (Brunson) Kaminska