Rick Centanni Memorial Fund Semper Fidelis and Welcome to RCMF
This site is dedicated to the memory of our beloved son, brother, and friend; United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal (LCpl) Rick Joseph Centanni, H&S Company, Jump Platoon, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (4th LAR), 4th Marine Division (4th Mar Div), United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR).
Rick was killed in action on March 24, 2010, when his Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) struck a roadside bomb in the Marjah region of southern Afghanistan’s Helmand Province on the Pakistani border in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Rick’s hometown friend and mentor, Marine Sergeant Major Robert J. Cottle, was in the same LAV and was also killed in action.
Rick, Robert, and their fellow Marines sacrificed their today for our tomorrow, and for this we will remain eternally grateful. We will never forget you, your sacrifice or your fallen comrades.
Rick was born and raised in Yorba Linda and attended Esperanza High School where he played football. After graduation, Rick enlisted in the Marines and was assigned to the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.
With the help of generous donations and the assistance of Esperanza High School, a memorial scholarship fund has been established in honor of Rick so his name will live on at his alma mater, in our community and in our hearts.
Looking for an extra challenge in 2027?
Participate in our Friend and Partners 5k, the "Cottle-Centanni Memorial 5k" in Orange California in March of 2027 (Exact Date on a Saturday in March TBD)
Countdown to the 2030 Memorial Run
Centanni-Cottle Memorial 5K Run/Walk
Help keep Rick and Robert’s spirit alive by participating in the annual Centanni-Cottle Memorial 5K Run/Walk.
To sponsor or volunteer for this memorial event, please contact us:
info@rick-centanni.org
The 2030 Centanni-Cottle 5K Run/Walk is currently in the planning phase. More information will be announced soon.
Who We Donate to
All RCMF staff are volunteers, and 100% of all donations go directly to the organizations below, as well as to cover operating costs for the annual Centanni-Cottle Memorial 5K Run/Walk.
Friends of the RCMF
