Quiet Giants : Rich Firato
Morgan Hill ' s Benevolent Pirate Sets Sail
for Brighter Shores
by Mike Sanchez Photos by gmhTODAY and Morgan ' s Cove
" Not all treasure is silver and gold " is a line from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean : The Curse of the Black Pearl .
In the movie the character Will Turner points out to the infamous Jack Sparrow that although Sparrow portends to hold a bleak outlook on pirates , Turner has witnessed his Sparrow ’ s quintessential pirate-ness through multiple feats of bravery , courage , and cunning , and his insatiable obsession for treasure . To this , Sparrow utters the line , giving Turner second to consider that perhaps there are deeper waters to Sparrow ’ s seemingly shallow soul .
The movie is an action adventure laced with comedy . Yet the line is memorable and fitting when considering the life and legacy of Rich Firato . The beloved and benevolent pirate of Morgan Hill , Rich was larger than life . He was a community champion , a connector of people , and a visionary .
Rich passed suddenly on August 24 of natural causes . He was 64 . He is survived by his wife of 40 years , Julie ; son Nick Firato ; daughters Alyssa Firato and Giavanna Orta ; his mother , Marie Firato ; brothers Robert and Al Firato ; and six grandchildren .
Rich made his vision for a “ Mini-Disneyland in Morgan Hill ” a reality . Over the course of several years , he transformed his backyard in Northeast Morgan Hill into Morgan ’ s Cove — a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed oasis where everyone was welcomed , and where the Firato family hosted regular fundraiser events for community nonprofits .
With his wife Julie he founded Firato Service Company in 1984 . Julie and son Nick continue to run the day-to-day operations . Just this year , Julie and Rich founded the Morgan ’ s Cove Foundation , utilizing their pirate-themed backyard to teach 4th and 5th graders about local history and help local school districts bridge the gap in outdoor learning and experiential curriculum . The results have been remarkable . The Foundation plans to continue to fill the gap and honor the legacy and vision Rich and his family have established to inspire and educate children .
Rich has served the community of Morgan Hill in many ways , including serving on the MH Chamber of Commerce , helping to launch the Friday Night Music Series and supporting the Rock the Mock interview program at local high schools . He was named the Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 2019 , and always available to volunteer , offer advice , and support Chamber projects and initiatives . Nick Gaich , Chamber
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President shared , “ The Chamber is truly honored to have been able to know and work with Rich as long as we did . He will be dearly missed .”
Rich was also active in Rotary and supported numerous nonprofits including Air for Paws , Edward Boss Prado Foundation , Poppy Jasper International Film Festival , and Leadership Morgan Hill .
Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner shared , “ Every now and then a person comes along who is larger than life , who makes a significant impact on all he meets , is so optimistic he causes others to think differently , is so humble he puts the needs of others ahead of his own , is so generous he makes personal sacrifices so others prosper , and just being in his presence can bring a smile to your face . Rich Firato was that person .”
Turner presided over a beautiful celebration of life for Rich held at the Community Center Amphitheater on September 6 that was attended by hundreds of people who came from near and far to pay their respects and gratitude to Rich and the Firato family for their service to the community , their friendship , and their kindness to all who crossed their path over the years .
Rich was an author , penning two books with Julie : “ Dartanian the Day Dreamer ” and “ Before the storm .” He was a standout athlete heading for the big leagues before a shoulder injury sidelined those plans .
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