With faith in the Risen Lord, we share the sad news of the passing of Deacon Richard Driggs, who entered eternal life on December 14, 2025, at the age of 91.
Richard Lowe Driggs was born November 11, 1934 to Afton and Vaughn Driggs. He had a sister, Afton Louise (Dede) Driggs, who has since preceded him in death.
He had degrees from the University of Utah, the University of Missouri, the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. With his PhD in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Driggs created and operated a successful surgical practice in Sacramento for thirty years. After retiring from that role, Richard obtained a Master of Divinity degree from the Franciscan School of Theology, Graduate Theological Union, UC Berkeley, and was ordained as a Catholic deacon in 1992.
Richard was an avid outdoorsman and a true servant of God who was known for his kindness and generosity. Together with his wife Judith (Judy), Richard lived in rural Elverta for 40 years, during which time they raised horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, and many dogs. In their early years, they spent time white water rafting, scuba diving and raising children. Later in life, they devoted time to their church, worked in the garden, and took as many trips as possible with their dogs in their RV. After a brief, and fierce battle with cancer in 2014, Judy went to be with her Heavenly Savior.
Richard and Judith had five children: David Driggs, Dustin Driggs, Gordon Driggs, Dana Johnson and Richard (Rick) Driggs.
They had three grandchildren, Jackson Driggs, Olivia Johnson, and Ashlyn Meyer who lovingly called him Papa. He could be found with them at church, watching a riding lesson at the barn, or in support at any school event.
His children and grandchildren were at his side in his last moments, before joining his wife and best friend Judy in Heaven on December 14, 2025.
Deacon Driggs was ordained to the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Sacramento in 1992 and faithfully served the people of God in Northern California for more than 19 years. Through his ministry, he touched many lives with his devotion to the Church, his spirit of service, and his love for Christ and His people.
Please join us in praying for the repose of his soul and for the consolation and peace of his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss.
Memorial Mass & Reception:
Wednesday, January 21 at 10:30am
St Clare Parish
1950 Junction Boulevard,
Roseville, CA