Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
Richard M. Ledesma, affectionately known as “Weegee,” was born on February 7, 1936, in Martinez, California, to Amador and Trinidad Ledesma. He attended school in Pittsburg, California, and graduated from Pittsburg High School as a member of the Class of 1953.
In 1959, Richard was drafted into the United States Army. Following his second enlistment, he honorably completed his military service, serving from 1961 to 1962.
Richard met the love of his life, Margaret Jimenez, and the couple married in 1964 at St. Peter Martyr Church. Together, they raised two children, Laura and Michael, in Pittsburg, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and community.
Richard dedicated 37 years of service to the Pittsburg Unified School District as a maintenance plumber before retiring in 1998. He was a hardworking and dependable employee who took great pride in serving his community.
A devoted member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Richard faithfully served as an usher for more than 25 years. He was also a proud member of the Pittsburg Elks Lodge #1474 for 55 years, where he volunteered as part of the kitchen crew for the Friday night dinners. In recognition of his dedication and service, he was honored with the Elk of the Year Award in 2006.
Richard enjoyed spending time with family and friends, vacationing in Lake Tahoe, traveling, and supporting local youth through the football boosters. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Amador and Trinidad Ledesma; his siblings, Josie Blankenship, Eloise Rosalez, Louise Murguia, John Ledesma, and Connie Munoz; and his granddaughter, Yvette Quezada.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Margaret Ledesma; his children, Laura (Solomon) Windham and Michael (Socorro) Ledesma; his grandchildren, Adryana Quezada, Jordan (Zoe) Windham, Ryan Windham, Samantha Ledesma, and Noelle Ledesma; his great-grandson, Avery Windham; his sisters, Millie Hernandez and Lucy Hernandez; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Richard’s legacy of faith, service, and love will live in the hearts of all who knew him.
Memorial mass will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 12 noon at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg, CA. Reception to follow immediately after the services in the church hall.
