Simon E. “Rico” Pinedo , born in Pirtleville, Arizona on February 18, 1926, passed away peacefully in Pinedale, California on January 10th, at aged 94. Rico was the devoted husband of Hortense “Tangy” Pinedo who passed on October 22, 2020, to whom he was married 65 years.
Raised in Douglas, Arizona, Rico graduated from Loretto Catholic School, which set in motion his life-long devotion to the Catholic Faith. In Fresno, he became an early member of St. Anthony’s Church and attended Holy Spirit, as well.
As a young man, Rico tried his lot at many jobs, including a dairy hand and day laborer at the Phelps Dodge smelter. But Rico saw a life beyond his tiny Arizona corner. At 18, he enlisted in the Army, served in Italy during WWII, missing combat by a single truck ride; the war having ended as his Automotive Maintenance Unit arrived at the front line. After his Service, Rico moved to Los Angeles until his sister, Sally Perez, beckoned him to move to Fresno. He soon found a piece of property in Pinedale, in which to build his future home, where he lived happily for the next 66 years.
After stints working at Gallo Winery and North American Rockwell, Rico became a grounds man at Fresno State, where he took great pride in tending his garden areas. His three daughters recall that he often took them on bike rides around campus just to show them the beautiful blooms he nurtured. A trip to Starr’s Ice Cream always followed. He and Tangy became lifelong Fresno State sports fans. They spent many a night at Radcliffe stadium, in the cold fog, pretending to watch the game. When the new stadium was built, they were part of the original “Red Wave” and religiously attended all Fresno State sports. Even later in life, their grown daughters knew to always consult game schedules before asking them to babysit. Game days were sacrosanct, after all.
In the 1960’s, on the advice of a relative who thought cosmetology might be a good fit, Rico attended Federico’s Beauty School. How right they were. At The Penthouse salon, one of his bosses suggested that he change his professional name from Simon to something more exciting, and so “Rico” was born out of his middle name, Enriguez. Eventually Rico and Tangy ventured on their own and opened Rico’s Hair Fashions. Rico ran a true family business, where everyone worked and everyone knew the proper techniques of sweeping. They sold the salon after forty years, but continued to work there because their life-long customers were family. Through to the very end, their former employees were counted as cherished friends.
Rico was predeceased by his parents Pedro and Agustina Pinedo, siblings, Antonio Pinedo, Emiliano Pinedo, Maria Gonzalez, Sally Perez, Alice Lopez, and Irma Torres. Proud father of Debra Erven (Chuck), Patricia Wilson (Chris), and Lisa Renwick. Loving grandfather of Danielle Seaberg (Robin) , Alana Hill (Kevin), Christian Shapazian (Aunica), Emma Wilson, Joe Wilson, Tyler Renwick and Kerry Renwick. Papa to six great-grandchildren. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved him.
We would like to thank Hinds Hospice. especially Maura, Veronica, Mark and Maribel for helping make our care of our dear father a little easier.
A private graveside service will be held at the San Joaquin National Cemetery. A memorial service to honor our Parents will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Hinds Hospice in his memory.
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