Ricardo V. Herrera

Ricardo V. Herrera was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Ricardo was born on September 4, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas. He was the son of Agustin and Marie Herrera. Ricardo grew up in Los Angeles, California.

Ricardo was raised with one sibling. He had one brother. Ricardo was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Ricardo had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Ricardo was an active child who took part in track and bowling. In his spare time he liked going to the movies and bullfights. However, to Ricardo, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Ricardo had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Belmont High School in 1949. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Ricardo enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Rudy Martinez, "Beaky" Negrete, Charlie Villareal and many more! Later in life, he became friends with Albert Maestos.

On February 16, 1957 Ricardo exchanged wedding vows with Carmen Varela at St. Lawrence Church of Los Angeles, California. Empathic and loyal, Ricardo was committed to making his new family happy.

Ricardo worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Ricardo was blessed with four children, three sons, Ric, Chris and Bobby and one daughter, Patti. Another blessing for Ricardo was the gift of five grandchildren, one grandson, Joel and four granddaughters, Jenna, Marina, Jaedie and Mia.

Fortunately, Ricardo enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Ricardo worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was pressman. He was employed for 30 years by Security National Bank. Ricardo always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Ricardo was a Navy veteran. He was in Japan from 1952 to 1955. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Ricardo enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were bike riding, music, movies, baseball coach and fishing. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Ricardo found pleasure in sports. In high school, Ricardo played ran track. Recreational sports included bowling and bike riding. Ricardo was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were basketball, football and baseball.

Throughout his life, Ricardo was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Ricardo was a member of the youth club "The Counts".

Ricardo was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Smokey, a Dachshund dog. They were best friends for long time. His family was rounded out by Bosco, Leroy, Johnson, Quack-Quack, Pudgy, Blackie, Speedy, Snapper and Gaylord.

Ricardo passed away on January 21, 2011 at home in West Covina, California. He is survived by his wife Carmen, his sons Ric, Chris and Bobby, his daughter Patti, daughter-in-laws Liza and Heather and his grandchildren, Joel, Jenna, Marina, Jaedie and Mia. Services were held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Simply stated, Ricardo was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Ricardo leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Ricardo V. Herrera.