Ricardo Rangel

We are saddened to announce the sudden loss of Ricardo Rangel, of San José. He was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, father-in-law, friend, and neighbor, querido among his community and is dearly missed.

Ricardo was born in El Paso, Texas on August 3, 1952 to Alfredo Rangel Anda Sola and Maria Carrasco Rangel. His father, Alfredo, was a tailor and his mother, Maria, was a dress maker. He was the third of four children and grew up in a home where Juarez, México was visible past a set of train tracks several blocks away. His parents were originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, and Ricardo and his family frequently crossed the border to visit Juarez, where they still had relatives. Growing up, his spirituality was shaped by his Catholic faith and by indigenous traditions witnessed early on by a curandero (medicine man) that the family regularly visited.

He attended Hart elementary school, two doors down from his home, where he excelled as a member of the school’s orchestra, playing the violin. At the age of nine, Ricardo joined his local Boy Scout Troop. He liked camping, hiking, and bicycling and, as a scout, he also learned how to mountain climb along with related first aid requirements. Ricardo earned a multitude of merit badges to become an Eagle Scout, the highest grade a Boy Scout could achieve. This was the beginning of his lifelong interest in the outdoors and his commitment to safety and preparation.

On weekends, he joined a small group of fellow Scouts very early in the morning, carrying an Army surplus backpack filled with sandwiches, first aid kits, water and climbing ropes. This group would hike from their local church that sponsored their troop, St. Ignatius, to the top of Mt. Franklin, (7,192 ft high). His group always had an older Scout but no adult supervision.

When he reached Bowie High school, which his siblings also attended, Ricardo continued his violin studies with the school’s orchestra. He also enrolled in the school’s JROTC, becoming a member of the JROTC Drill Team. Ricardo went on to college at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he studied for a couple of years until he was hired by IBM in 1974. A year later, he relocated to San Jose.

Ricardo’s career with IBM began in manufacturing, making molded plastic computer cabinets. He later moved to security, where he served on the fire brigade, and subsequently health and safety. In 1996, he received recognition by the State of California’s Department of Industrial Relations for his participation in IBM’s Voluntary Protection Program, Cal STAR. This program recognizes employers and employees who have implemented outstanding safety and health programs. His primary area of focus was employee ergonomic issues, which involved conducting ergonomic evaluations and providing suggestions for equipment to improve employees' work environments. He worked at IBM’s Almaden research site until his retirement in 2018.

His family and friends remember Ricardo as a very prepared and cautious individual as well as a loving and devoted father and grandfather. When his daughter Ana left home for college, he gave her a fanny pack filled with every over-the-counter medication or emergency item she might need from Tylenol to pepto bismol, a flashlight, and a full-body rain poncho. He was a highly protective father and when his granddaughter, Lucia, was born at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ricardo did everything he could to prevent catching or spreading the virus to her; he succeeded in this endeavor until his passing. From holding Lucia while wearing gloves and a face mask when she was an infant to chasing her around to change her diaper (not an easy task for him), he welcomed every moment, with noticeable yet joyous exhaustion.

In his free time, he enjoyed archery, photography, fly fishing, and traveling. He was a big history buff with vast knowledge of historical events, wars, and different cultures. Ricardo’s international travel included trips to Spain (Madrid & Barcelona) in 2011 and Paraguay in 2012, both with his daughter. He was innately curious about the world and would likely have traveled more if he had the opportunity.

Ricardo also relished his retirement, regularly attending meditation, Qi Gong, and fitness classes. When his granddaughter was over a year old, he began to babysit her for a couple of days each week. This was the highlight of his retirement and his family and friends recall that he would light up whenever he spoke of her. Shortly before his passing, his granddaughter began preschool. He deeply missed babysitting her and was thrilled to attend Grandparents’ Day, where he was able to watch her and all the children play, sing, and dance.

Most of all, we remember Ricardo as gracious and naturally diplomatic. Many who knew him describe him as kind, respectful, and fair. He had a balanced way of looking at things, including complex issues, and his loved ones often turned to him for advice and words of wisdom. Ricardo is missed by his daughter, Ana Paz-Rangel, and her husband Enrique De Anda; his granddaughter, Lucia De Anda; his brother, Alfredo Rangel (Robyn Branzell); Ana’s mother, Noemi Paz; and his nieces and nephews: Brittany Bell, Noemi “Chuchuy” Martinez, Shasai Potente, Alonzo Rangel, Irani Rangel, and Veronica Rangel. Ricardo also leaves behind several grand-nieces and grand-nephews in addition to other close relatives and friends.

We wish Ricardo love, healing, and light on his spiritual journey. When his daughter went on trips or left home, he would always give her a Lakota blessing with sage and an eagle feather. We are very fortunate that Ricardo’s brother Alfredo was able to give him a final, similar blessing at his memorial service as well as at his burial in El Paso. May he find eternal peace in the loving embrace of God.