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 anticipation for what he could do for the community. It’s heartbreaking that he passed away at the height of his excitement for our future.”

Firato was born on August 18, 1960 in San Jose. He grew up in Willow Glen and married his high school sweetheart, Julie, in 1983. Together, they started a janitorial company, Firato Service Company, Inc and moved to Morgan Hill in 1988.

But it was Firato’s pirate’s outpost, dubbed Morgan’s Cove, that stood out the most. The cove, which Firato began building 24 years ago, features a one-third replica of a Spanish galleon, a cadre of pirate skeletons, and replicas of pirates’ gold and dubloons. Firato even wrote a novel and a children’s book about time traveling adventures to the golden age of piracy. Morgan’s Cove scored some international attention when it was featured on the Disney+ show “The World According to Jeff Goldblum.”

Beyond inviting the “Jurassic Park” star, Firato opened his doors for free to nonprofits, charities, and budding political campaigns, allowing them to save costs and dressing up with his crew to host and entertain at Morgan’s Cove.

This year, Firato created a nonprofit, The Morgan’s Cove Foundation, so that he could invite children to Morgan’s Cove to teach them about the history of Morgan Hill, and worked with the local school district to get it approved as an educational outing. He had already invited grade schoolers, teaching them about topics ranging from native American history, local geology, and real life treasure troves of the Spanish fleet.

“He was a very giving person. People loved having him around,” said Armando Garcia, a friend and the chair of the foundation. “Even when he had his costume off you could see the pirate in him.”

But Firato wasn’t initially a pirate aficionado, recalled Julie Firato. Before Morgan’s Cove became his passion, he was a decorated go kart and stock car racer.

What did stay the same, however, was his spirit of volunteerism and community involvement. Mrs. Firato recalls cutting their honeymoon short to make 1,500 meatballs for a local Italian festival.

Firato went on to lead the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, became involved in the Rotary Club, aided the local Poppy Jasper film festival, helped boost the local music scene by expanding Morgan Hill’s Friday night music series, and more. At times, Firato offered discounted janitorial services to local charities and nonprofits.

“I don’t know an organization that he didn’t work with,” said Mattie Scariot, who runs the Poppy Jasper Film festival. “He was a big man with such a big heart. He had such an impact on every organization that he was a part of.”

Firato is survived by his mother, Marie Firato, his older brothers Robert and Al Firato, his wife Julie Firato, his three children, Nick Firato, Alyssa Firato, and Giavanna Orta, and his six grandchildren.

Firato’s family says they hope to continue his legacy through his foundation and that in lieu of flowers or other gifts, those who wish to support him can make a donation to the Morgan’s Cove Foundation at morganscove.com.

“He’s just such a special soul. He was our leader and our captain. He just brought up everyone around him,” said son Nick Firato. “We can’t just let this go to waste.”