Ricardo S. Herrera

Ricardo Salvador Herrera was born on August 11, 1940, in Aguas Calientes, Mexico, to Marcos Herrera and María Refugio Sagredo. On December 12, 2025, Ricardo peacefully went to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, perseverance, curiosity, and deep devotion to family.

Ricardo was one of nine children and learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and resilience from an early age. At just 15 years old, he immigrated to the United States, carrying with him little more than determination, faith, hope and a willingness to learn and work hard. Through grit, discipline, and an unwavering belief in opportunity, he taught himself English and went on to build—and truly live—the American Dream.

Over the course of his life, Ricardo lifted himself from a farmer to a restaurant owner, a homeowner, a landlord, and from a driver to a Teamster union leader. As a young man, he worked in food service before opening his own restaurant in Los Angeles, California. He later spent the greater part of his career as a truck driver, a profession he took great pride in. He drove big rigs for a cabinet construction company, the Los Angeles Times, and other businesses, embracing long days on the road and honest work until his retirement in the early 2000s.

Ricardo was a lifelong learner and a true jack of all trades. Though truck driving was his primary profession, his skills and interests extended far beyond that. He was a rancher, farmer, mechanic, welder, landscaper, and all-around repairman—capable of fixing anything from floorboards to roofs. He approached problems thoughtfully, learned by doing, and was never afraid to try something new.

One of Ricardo’s earliest dreams and proudest accomplishments was earning his pilot’s license. He found great joy flying single-engine aircraft for recreation, a testament to his discipline, curiosity, and love of learning. He also cherished the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, which brought him treasured time with family, peace, purpose, and fulfillment. He enjoyed listening to and watching sports.

Above all else, Ricardo was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He married the love of his life, Isabel Herrera, in May 1965 and together, they built a life grounded in loyalty, respect, and enduring love. Ricardo leaves behind his beloved wife, Isabel; two children; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom were a constant source of pride and love.

Ricardo was a true gentleman. He listened more than he spoke, offering advice only when asked, and always with wisdom and care. His kind and respectful advice will always be treasured. Ricardo will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, resilience, faith and boundless curiosity—a provider, a teacher by example, and a steadfast, loving presence whose influence will live on through generations. His life stands as a reminder that with perseverance, humility, and heart, it is possible to build something lasting and meaningful. He will remain forever in our hearts.

A visitation will be held at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, located at 4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, on December 28, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A funeral service will follow at the same location on December 28, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A graveside service will take place at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens on December 28, 2025, at 12:00 pm.