This poem was written Aug. 24 in honor of Morgan Hill’s “benevolent pirate” Rich Firato who died Aug. 22 at age 64
Rich Firato dressed as a pirate next to “The Lady Morgan” in his pirate village. Photo courtesy Firato family
“Farewell, Benevolent Pirate!”
In Morgan Hill, there’s a tale to be told
Of a man named Rich, with a heart of gold.
He built a world of wonder and delight —
A pirate’s paradise, such a marvelous sight!
Rich Firato — a benevolent pirate bold
Sharing his treasure with young and old.
Morgan’s Cove, his dream come alive,
Where imagination and kindness thrive.
From tropical isles to a Spanish Galleon grand,
Twenty-five years of work by his own hand.
The friendly swashbuckler in costume stood tall
To his buccaneer village he welcomed all.
One movie sparked a passion so bright —
Pirates and adventure, oh, what a sight!
Now school kids came to learn and play,
Visiting Rich’s world of wonder every day.
Rich sailed away on his final tide,
Leaving Julie and loved ones by his side.
His legacy of wonder will long survive
A Peter Pan man, his dreams will stay alive.
In Morgan Hill, a legend’s tale is told
Of treasure found — not of silver, not of gold.
A world of wonder, born of pirate dreams,
Where joy and laughter flowed in streams.
His ship may sail beyond our sight
But his magic lingers in morning’s light.
Rich’s spirit lives on, a guiding star so bright.
His legacy endures to inspire us day and night.
Farewell, Benevolent Pirate!
Farewell!
By Marty Cheek, publisher of Morgan Hill Life
Click on the YouTube video below to watch a fun videos of Rich Firato finding out he is the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 Man of the Year:
