Richard Cimino

Richard was born in upstate New York and grew up in Anaheim, California. He graduated from Servite High School, received a B.S. in Physical Education from California State University Fullerton, and earned his California Secondary Teaching Credential at Chapman University after which he began teaching and coaching high school varsity football.

At the age of 22 Richard came into a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ. In 1977 he married his beautiful best friend, Valerie. They have four absolutely brilliant children; Deborah, Sean, Ashley and Nathan and two grandchildren; Ever and Honor.

Not long after becoming a Christian Richard sensed a growing desire to devote his life to teaching the Bible. In 1982 that desire came to fruition when he was given the opportunity to join the pastoral staff of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa where he served for eight years as High School pastor. Following that amazing experience Richard and Valerie moved to Northen California where he served thirteen years as the lead and teaching pastor before planting a church in the city of Roseville, Ca. which he pastored for twenty years.

At the age of 71, forty years after stepping into pastoral ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Richard’s and Valerie’s lives came full circle when he was asked to join the pastoral staff of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa where he presently serves as a teaching pastor, director of Worship and pastor of Men’s Ministry!

At the age of 72 Richard is more amazed at and humbled by the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus than ever before. He is more in love with his family than ever before. He is more passionate more than ever to study and teach the Bible (he completed his Master’s Degree in Applied Biblical Leadership from Western Seminary with Honors in 2022).

He can’t wait to see what God is going to do in and through his life, his marriage, his family and the community of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa — and he absolutely blessed to see how his first book has been a blessing to many.