December 13, 1932 - May 10, 2022
STOCKTON - Dick Garibaldi passed away on May 10, 2022, after a short illness, at the age of 89.
He leaves behind a happy and healthy family: Wife Marlene, Son Ernie, Daughter Jennifer (Dan); along with 2 grandchildren: Rick (Lydia) and Dan Jr. and 2 great grandchildren (Annemarie and Andrew).
He is survived by his brother Bob (Carol) and their children Bob, Jack and Kristen. Dick was born on December 13, 1932, in Stockton, the son of Ernie and Wilma Garibaldi. Dick graduated from Stockton High School in 1951, where he was a prep star in baseball and basketball and an All-American quarterback in football. A highly recruited athlete in all 3 of these sports, he accepted an offer to play basketball at Santa Clara University for head coach Bob Feerick in the West Coast Athletic Conference (WCAC).
Playing for the Broncos (along with the great Ken Sears) from 1951-1954, Dick was one of the standouts on the 1952 team that defeated Wyoming, UCLA and Oklahoma City for the NCAA Western Regional crown. It was Garibaldi’s driving layup in the last minute that provided the winning margin in the Broncos upset win over Wyoming in the regional final that put the Broncos in the Final Four. After serving 1 year in the Korean Conflict, Dick returned to Santa Clara for his senior year and earned All-WCAC honors.
In 1962, after 4 years as an assistant, he succeeded Feerick as Head Coach of the Broncos. He would lead the program until 1970 after compiling a record of 137-77(.640). In 1968, 1969 and 1970, he was named “Coach of the Year” by the Northern California Basketball Writers and Broadcasters after leading the Broncos to 3 consecutive WCAC conference titles. His 1968 and 1969 teams ran up a 50-6 record, 2nd only to the legendary UCLA team of John Wooden. These Santa Clara teams went to 3 consecutive NCAA tournaments. They were led by Bud Ogden, Dennis Awtrey and Ralph Ogden who combined to form one of the best front courts in college basketball.
Following his coaching career, Dick enjoyed a very successful 20 years at Converse. He was able to remain close to the game that he loved, in sales and promotions roles that involved both college basketball and the NBA.
In 1998, Dick and Marlene returned to Stockton to be closer to their families. Dick was an avid golfer and card player. The Garibaldi’s loved the beach and spent many summers at their condo in Capitola. He was a devoted fan of Santa Clara basketball until his final days. A fiercely competitive person in all his endeavors, he will mostly be remembered by family and friends as a very kind and generous husband, father, and grandfather.
SERVICE
A private memorial service will be held.
Donations may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Garibaldi family.