Richard Anthony Zuniga, M.D.

May 15, 1960 - January 22, 2021

Richard Anthony Zuniga, M.D., passed away on January 22, 2021 in San Francisco after a battle with lung cancer.

Richard was born in Denver, Colorado on May 15, 1960. Richard earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Colorado, Boulder, completing a double major in chemistry and music. He proceeded to earn his M.D. at Stanford University and had his residency there as well. Richard was the director of in-patient psychiatry at California Pacific Medical Center’s Pacific Heights campus for many years. He reveled in training the talented residents in his unit, and they adored him. Richard met Sean SeLegue in 1995, and they formed a household in 1996. In 2008, shortly after the California Supreme Court declared that equal protection required recognition of same-sex marriage, they married. They have one son, David Vapnek.

Richard switched to private outpatient practice when his son, David, was young to have more time to care for David. He rejoiced in raising David, faithfully picking him up almost every day from school for many years when David was younger, ferrying him around and just being an allaround terrific Dad. Richard was immensely proud of David, including David’s interest in science and his attainment of a black belt in karate.

Richard, a musician as well as a physician, enjoyed attending opera, ballet and symphony. Opera was a shared passion of Richard and Sean, and Richard became a ballet fanatic in his later years. Richard also loved to learn languages. He was fluent in French and Spanish, spoke Hebrew and gained a working knowledge of Mandarin for a recent trip to China. Richard’s wit, kindness, erudition and empathy will be sorely missed.

Richard is survived by his husband Sean and son David, his parents Tony and Mina Zuniga, his brother Anthony, his sister Nancy, and three nieces, one nephew and one great niece. His funeral was streamed from Temple Emanuel on February 11th. Friends who were unable to attend may request access to the recording from Sean if they wish.

The family plans a celebration of life next January that will allow Richard’s family and friends to gather in person. All those who attended the funeral by Zoom will receive an invitation. Other friends who would like to attend should contact Sean.

If you would like to make a charitable contribution in Richard’s honor, the Dr. Richard A. Zuniga Memorial Fund at Stanford Medical School has been established to fund scholarships for Latinx and/or LGBT medical students.