RIVERSIDE, CALIF. – Louis Robert Tavaglione was born April 23, 1929 in Riverside to parents, Joseph and Mary Tavaglione. He was the 10th child in a family of 11 children and the first to be born in Riverside. He would stay a Riverside resident for life. He passed away at Riverside Community Hospital on Nov. 11, 2019 after a brief illness.
A graduate of Riverside Poly High School in 1947, he married high school sweetheart Joan Marts on November 30, 1950. They were married for 62 years. Together they raised two sons, Jim and Don. In 1960 he and brother Joe Tavaglione founded Tavaglione Construction and Development. They would remain successful business partners for life. Louie was the inspiration and founder of the Riverside Rancheros. Under Louie’s guidance the Riverside Rancheros grew into a successful horse club hosting several local PRCA rodeos and many team ropings including the Riverside 10 Steer, one of California’s largest team roping events. He was truly one of the visionary producers for team roping in California, helping to shape its present format. Louie was honored as Riverside County Horseman of the year in 1972. The Riverside Rancheros was a passion for Louie. Countless hours were spent building, developing and directing “The Club.” He could be counted on to attend any type of event that was held there. Louie joined the De Anza Trail Caballeros 1955. He completed 62 rides, with his last ride in 2016. He served many years on their board of directors, as well as several terms as president. Louie helped to plan many rides across horse trails of Southern California. Louie also served for many years on the Board of Directors for the So Cal Fair dating back to the days when it was the Farmers Fair in Hemet. He proudly served the fair community under nine California state governors.
The true love of Louie’s life was his family and friends. He and Joan enjoyed being surrounded by the people they loved, enjoying countless motorhome trips, cruises all over the world, holidays at California beaches, or parties at their home. He was the ultimate host, opening his home to endless events. Louie is survived by son, Jim and wife Dede; daughters in law, Sharon and Nancy Difani; granddaughters, Nicole, Natalie (Jeff Harryman), Dominique (Matt Ashley), Kelsey and Breana; great grandchildren, Raegan and Luke; brother, Joe Tavaglione; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews. Louie was preceded in death by his wife Joan and son, Donnie.
A private family service was held Nov. 20. A celebration of life will be held for everyone at Riverside Rancheros on December 15 from 3-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Riverside Rancheros Memorial Fund. Preston & Simons Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
A Tribute to Louie Tavaglione
By Dusty Gravatt
I would like to take a moment to pay respect to a man that most of us knew. He was well-respected and admired. Louie Tavaglione passed away November 11 at 91 years old.
In 1959, 60 years ago, Louie Tavaglione had a vision. That vision quickly became reality, what is known today as Riverside Rancheros.
Thirty-year-old Louie shared his vision with a couple of his older buddies. Together they decided we need to establish a place where family and horseman alike could get together to team rope, trail ride, and socialize. Oh, if old Jerry Cooper and Jack Neel could see what Louie started today, wouldn’t they be in awe.
Riverside Rancheros is noted to be the oldest and most well-known premier horse facility in Southern California, a place where you can team rope, barrel race, team sort, or just have a nice trail ride on your old steed. A place where friends and family gather together to have dinner and or have a couple cocktails if you dare.
Louie was the Godfather of the Rancheros, a gracious husband to Joan, a father to Jimmy and Donnie, a loving Grandpa or PaPa to his five beautiful granddaughters, Nicole, Natalie, Dominick, Kelsey, and Breann.
Louie Tavaglione was the founder of the Riverside Rancheros he guided, and directed countless Presidents of the Club over 60 years through the construction of the arena, the clubhouse, the bar, the kitchen, the barns, and stalls, the cover on the arena, to the construction of the patio area.
Louie loved this place and he had a vision 60 years ago to have a place where family and friends could gather.
I know when Louie passed through the pearly gates he was greeted by his wife Joan and his son Donnie. I’m sure that Louie is trying to figure out how to get a message to us club members about the next work party at the Rancheros.
Rest in peace, Louis Tavaglione, ’til we see you again. May God bless your soul.