Rich Firato, “larger than life” Pirate of Morgan Hill remembered as force for good in South Bay

To many, Richard “Rich” Gerrard Firato was best known as the adventurous spirit who built a swashbuckling pirate’s paradise in his backyard. But he’s also being remembered for much more, especially as a dedicated community volunteer throughout the South Bay.

Firato died of a heart attack Aug. 22 He was 64.

“Whenever he’s in a room, there’s a presence that you just feel. He’s a larger than life individual,” said Mario Banuelos, a friend of over 20 years. “He had so much joy, so much...