Antioch City Council honors 2025-26 Veterans of the Year
Bob Franchetto, Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year and Ricky Diaz, Antioch Veteran of the Year
By Allen D. Payton
During their special meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Antioch City Council honored the 2025-26 Veterans of the Year, Bob Franchetto and Ricky Diaz, by approving proclamations for each recipient. The awards were announced during last week’s annual Antioch Veterans Day Ceremonies and both U.S. Army veterans were presented with plaques and jackets with their names embroidered. (See related article)
Both Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson were absent from the meeting.
Proclamations
IN HONOR OF
BOB FRANCHETTO
Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year 2025-2026
WHEREAS, Bob Franchetto was born on June 23rd, 1938, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and relocated with his family to the City of Antioch in 1947. He attended Antioch High School, where he contributed to the Panther newspaper, before graduating in the spring of 1956;
WHEREAS, In 1961, Bob Franchetto enlisted in the United States Army as a 717 – Clerk with Crypto Clearance and was stationed at Fort Baker, Sausalito where he served for three years;
WHEREAS, after completing his service, in 1964, he returned home to Antioch with his beloved wife, Mary, whom he met while serving in the Army, together, they continued the legacy of his family business, Cottage Florist, established in 1947 and purchased by Bob in 1959, carrying forward the family tradition that had been maintained by his parents during his time in the military;
WHEREAS, for decades, Bob and Mary’s commitment to family and community has been evident in all they have done. Married for 61 years, they raised three children – Bob, Tony, and Paula – each carrying forward the spirit of service and family pride. Their daughter Paula has continued the family’s legacy, owning and operating Paula’s Family Florist, formerly known as Cottage Florist, preserving the Franchetto name as a cherished part of Antioch’s history;
WHEREAS, Bob’s lifetime of giving back to Antioch exemplifies the true spirit of this award. His enduring dedication, quiet leadership, and steadfast love for his community remind us all that service does not end when the uniform comes off – it simply takes on new meaning;
WHEREAS, for his lifetime of service to his community and country, the Delta Veterans Group and the City of Antioch proudly recognize U.S. Army Veteran Bob Franchetto as the Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the year for 2025-2026;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby salute, commend and honor Bob Franchetto for his dedication, commitment, and positive influence to our community and the Veterans in the City of Antioch.
NOVEMBER 20, 2025
RON BERNAL, Mayor
—————-
IN HONOR OF
Ricky Diaz
Antioch Veteran of the Year 2025-2026
WHEREAS, Ricky Diaz was born on September 29, 1961, in East Contra Costa County; WHEREAS, In 1979, Ricky enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery at the Fort Richardson duty station in Anchorage, Alaska, until 1982. Ricky continued to live and work in Alaska for four more years before returning to his hometown of Antioch;
WHEREAS, Ricky has given countless volunteer hours to local organizations, including the Antioch VFW, the Antioch Historical Society, and the Antioch Bedford Center – quietly making a difference without ever seeking recognition. His humility, commitment, and heart for service truly reflect the values of our Veteran community;
WHEREAS, Ricky met his wife, Gerri, in 2007, and the two were married in 2013, at the Antioch Historical Society Museum – a fitting place for a man whose life and service are woven into the very history of our city;
WHEREAS, U.S. Army Veteran Ricky Diaz has been proudly honored as the Antioch Veteran of the Year 2025-2026, a man who continues to serve his community with honor, humility, and heart;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch,
do hereby salute, commend and honor Ricky Diaz for his dedication, commitment, and positive influence to our community and the Veterans in the City of Antioch.
NOVEMBER 20, 2025
RON BERNAL, Mayor
the attachments to this post:
Antioch Vets of Year at City Council 11-20-25
