I met Dad in 1983 when I fell in love with his daughter Lisy.  I know dad was not a perfect man; I only know this because no one is perfect, not because he displaced a lack of perfection in his life.  He was a very good man.   In his life he displayed these character qualities as outlined in Romans 12: 9-21

Devoted to others in brotherly love; Honored others above himself; Joyful in  the hope of his salvation; Patient in affliction;  faithful in prayer (he always prayed with humility and a deep respect); Practiced hospitality; Was not proud or conceited.

He was not one to repay evil for evil or to take revenge nor was he one to hold a grudge.  Neither was he one to  fail to forgive (Mathew 6:14-15 & 18:21-22).   How do I know these latter things?  It is not because I am aware of any specific instance where he could have held a grudge but didn't or needed to forgive and did so.  But rather it is because of the joy and contentment he had in his life.  You see it is not possible to have joy and contentment while one is holding a grudge or refusing to forgive.

My grandfather was a rich man. 
Rich?
Yes.
Surrounded by family who loved him dearly, content with simple pleasures, a lover of gardening, good food, and the joyous and playful kind of laughter.
He knew His Savior, Jesus Christ.
♡♡ Rich indeed, as he entered heaven yesterday in the dark early hours of 03.07.2019. ♡♡

I am forever thankful for you teaching us about respect. Give it, and also EXPECT it (Grandpa didnt take nonsense from anyone - nor did he suffer fools gladly). He also taught us about loving those from humble origins, serving those who can never repay you, and supporting those you care about. Thank you for showing our whole family how to stick with your spouse and make him/her your best friend. Your salt and pepper whisker kisses (with that mustache of yours) will always be one of my favorite memories of you. I can close my eyes and still feel them on my cheek as you say "mee-ha"... 😊. 

Martha, age 4: “Dad, can I go to back to Ford Park to get the dog’s toy? I left it on the park bench.”
Dad: “No. You can’t go”.

Martha looks at Dad. He’s talking to his friend. She waits a little while and thinks she could go to the park without him noticing her gone. She and her little friend walk to the park and saw that the toy was gone so they headed back home. However, Martha & her friend were distracted when they saw the playground and went there instead.  A moment after her Uncle Sam rode up on his motorcycle and told Martha that her parents were looking for her. Martha got on Sam’s bike. When they arrived, Martha was sent to her room where she was spanked 🤭🙈.   (This is not the last time she didn’t listen). 

Dad knew his daughter well. But, he didn’t give up on her. He lovingly spoke to her about making wise choices. He did this with all his children. Dad was strong willed, and so was Martha and a couple of other siblings. 

Around 2011 Martha nicknamed Dad the Everready Bunny after learning that he survived the Korean War, heart surgery and other complications for many years.  He was heading towards his 90th year of life.  

We’re so grateful to have celebrated his 89th birthday at his & Mom’s home. Also, we had Thanksgiving at their house. Dad was with us for this last Christmas too. Martha arrived from India the week of her birthday. Dad went into the hospital shortly after.   

Many things took place... two family members recently retired, a grandson born, a granddaughter was married, one layed off from work, others not working and another moved in with Dad & Mom to help them.  Within that year, we had the opportunity to spend more time with Dad & Mom.  God is so amazing. He knew. He orchestrated every detail. Truly, how great thou art. 

❤️

On his 82nd Birthday Dad insisted on cooking a meal for his guest. He and Mom prepared all the ingredients and spices ahead of time to make the delicious birria (spelling?). On the day of his party we took the food to Ford Park where family and friends celebrated together. Dad had a makeshift stovetop steamer to keep the flavors from escaping. Some of you reading this may have (or had relatives) who cooked pork or beef under the ground. My dad used the stove. He enjoyed cooking and made it look fun. Actually he made everything look fun because he whistled a lot.  Oh how I wish I could hear him whistle again. I will, someday ❤️👴🏼😙🎶

(Dad was six months from 90 years old. And, nearly 65 years married to Mom. Grateful for many years with them in our lives).

Papasito,

Is my name for you in your latter days, because you’re not only my Dad but you were grandpa to my children and great-grandpa to my grandchildren. Romance is your second name for you use to pick roses from our gardens and have a dozen of them in your hands and give them to my mother and give her a loving kiss on her lips. What can I say? He was romantic and she liked it.

I remember the mini vacations to Ensenada, Yosemite, and many other places. You and Mom made it happen! You taught my brothers, sister, and I to swim at Ford Park Pool in Bell Gardens, the wild way was the only way  (He would throw us in and I’d come up swimming and laughing at the same time).

Thank you for teaching us to give thanks to God through prayer.  One example; you would have us pray in a circle holding hands every New Years Eve, thanking God for how he provided in the past year and how he would provide again in the new year.

I’ll always remember how he protected us from harm. He defended me in a very hard time in my life. My Papasito wasn’t just a All American Hero. He was my “Hero.”  I love you Dad!

Much Love,

Lisy (Elizabeth) 

Grandpa,

I can’t say what I love best about you, because I love all of you, and always will. My heart aches that your gone, but I know that because we hold the same faith we will be reunited again. I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for your faithfulness to your wife of 64 years. I will never forget your fiftieth where you were crying and telling all of us that you loved such a wonderful woman.  Thank you for serving your country. You were a brave soul. Thank you for coming to my school functions. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to play with us in your yard (I still remember the red line on the floor that we couldn't cross). Thank you for coming to my dance recitals. Thank you for always buying us ice cream from the ice cream man, as well as elotes. Even teaching me how to eat rose petals haha. Also salsa at 9 months. And so much more. Most of all thank you for your unconditional love. You loved all of our family with no strings attached. I always felt safe with you and not once did I feel like you loved me less. If anything I felt your strong love for me from the moment I met you till the moment you passed. 

I will always hold you in my heart knowing that you now are in a place where you are unconditionally loved. It was not something you had to earn from God. His grace is what saved you and it is free. You were always a servant thinking of others first. Not once did I sense any fear in you. You were a strong man that conquered many obstacles and you didn’t do it alone. God was right beside you guiding you every step of the way. I am so blessed God gave you so much time to be with us. It is so comforting that you are no longer suffering. 

I love you Grandpa!

Here’s a verse for you and  our family:

1 Peter 1:3-7

Grandpa,

I can’t say what I love best about you, because I love all of you, and always will. My heart aches that your gone, but I know that because we hold the same faith we will be reunited again. I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for your faithfulness to your wife of 64 years. I will never forget your fiftieth where you were crying and telling all of us that you loved such a wonderful woman.  Thank you for serving your country. You were a brave soul. Thank you for coming to my school functions. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to play with us in your yard (I remember the red line you painted that you told us not to cross while we were playing). Thank you for coming to my dance recitals. Thank you for always buying us ice cream from the ice cream man, as well as elotes. Even teaching me how to eat rose petals haha. Thank you for teaching me how to eat salsa from the age of 9 months. And so much more. Most of all thank you for your unconditional love. You loved all of our family with no strings attached. I always felt safe with you and not once did I feel like you loved me less. If anything I felt your strong love for me from the moment I met you till the moment you passed. 

I will always hold you in my heart knowing that you now are in a place where you are unconditionally loved. It was not something you had to earn from God. His grace is what saved you and it is free. You were always a servant thinking of others first. Not once did I sense any fear in you. You were a strong man that conquered many obstacles and you didn’t do it alone. God was right beside you guiding you every step of the way. I am so blessed God gave you so much time to be with us. 

I love you Grandpa!

Here’s a verse for you and  our family:

1 Peter 1:3-7

Dad I do remember calling you  honey, watching  shave  and watching you drive  stick shift car I learn a lot from watching you dad.  I learn many thing I took from  granted .                                          I  never   Thought  You  leave us dad because you are  toughest ,  honorable ,loving and  proud man I knew.                                                 Some of last words you said to me  you were proud  of all us at the 50 you made me smile you are miss dad ( honey ) .

Here's a special moment with you Honey …. love your wife Rufina ...

My Dear my Beloved Husband, 
 As I see the wedding pictures and anniversary photos it comes to my mind of all the great memories we shared over the years together. I married a very fine and respectful man, who will be in my heart for the rest of my life. One of my fondest memories of us was when we had our children. You were always so happy when you found out I was excepting each child. You would come home from work and kiss my stomach and hug me sayin "how's my baby." From the first to oldest you were always so happy that I was going to have a baby. You were always affectionate and so kind to me and told me how you loved my eyes.  You would always say to me "Aquellos ojos que nunca olvidares' " . We had a lot of fun when we would take our kids to the park, to the movies, Ensenada, camping (with  our children and extended family), and attending church on Sunday's. You would always enjoy going to Sunday School and Bible Study as well. 

Another great memory that we shared was when our kids got married and had grandchildren. Marrying you brought the great gifts that God has blessed us. I'm going to miss you a lot but, I know your in a very special place and I know one day we will be together again. I love you forever and ever until we meet again in heaven. Rest in peace my love. 



‭I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

One of the character qualities I admired dad for was his ability to be content in different circumstances.  I thank dad (& mom & Jesus too) for raising a beautiful daughter Lisy, my wife.

A PARATROOPER'S PRAYER 
Almighty God, Our Heavenly Father; Who art above us and beneath us, within and around us; Drive from our minds of our paratroops any fear of the space in which Thou art ever present. Give them confidence in the strength of Thine Everlasting arms to uphold them. Endure them with clear minds and pure hearts that they may participate worthily in the victory which this nation must achieve in Thy name through Thy will. Make them hardy soldiers of our country as well as of Thy Son, Our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. Chaplain George B. Wood

Grandpa, 
Where do I begin...  I get overwhelmed with the amount of feelings I get when I think if you. My fondest memories with you were when we would lay in bed with  grandma cuddle, sing songs, and laugh. I longed for that in a dad and found that in you. You always found a way to keep things creative, productive, inventive, and corky. Like tying grandmas curtain ropes to your pants and getting on your hands and knees and acted like a tiger and tying a rope on my bike to pull the wagon so I can tug Theresa around. You always thought of all the small things even in the way you loved grandma (like picking flowers from the yard and giving them to her). She was and still is your soul mate and truly saw it first hand. You always took the time to listen to me and look in my eyes and tell me I love you mija.

If I can think of some things that you really enjoyed doing that would be.... taking naps, watching your favorite shows (like the old cowboy shows), reading , gardening, being outside and enjoying the elements around you, walking to Ford Park and feeding the ducks, going to church,  playing games ( Uno, Dominos, Sequence, ect.) , Kiss grandma and telling her I love you,  spending time with your kids and grandkids as well as your extending family, cooking, eating pan dulce, and saying where's Chloe????? haha

Thank you for being DAD for many of us and setting a true example of unconditional love and hard work. I will miss your bear hugs, fuzzy kisses, stories, and most of all your presence. But, I rest in the peace of knowing I will see you again. 


DAD
I will always remember your smile; your Mexican accent, your corny jokes, and your long stories about growing up in Mexico. By the way, who was “Fulano?” I remember your warm embrace. I remember you singing while washing dishes. I saw love your or Mom through good and bad times, no matter what. 

I remember the early morning Saturday yard work days, plumbing work on the rentals and working on cars, although I hated those days as a child. I can remember you telling me to “work smarter and not harder.”  Those words thrust me to finish my college degree. Today, I live by those words. 

You built my character by making me wait for hours while you visited old friends. You did inspections on our bedroom to make sure we did not leave dust under our beds and our sheets and bedspread were tight. I learned how to cook just by watching you. I realize as an adult you were preparing us for life.

I will remember all the day trips all over Southern California, such as Griffith Park Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, the pony and train rides at Griffith Park, the Queen Mary, Placita Olvera (Olvera Street), Magic Mountain, San Clemente and bon fires at Huntington State Beach, Disneyland, Lion’s Country Safari, drive-in theaters (I often fell asleep) Lake Tahoe, Lake Peru and trips to  Estado 29 orphanage in Baja California to help the poor. 

I hope when people ask me how you died, I can answer how you lived. I hope I can tell friends and family what you gave instead of what you gained. I hope when people ask me about your faith, church or your creed; I can tell them about the people you befriended, those really in need. I hope when people ask me about your days in the military and the medals you earned, I can tell them that you fought for God and Country so they could live free. 

Dad, you will live in my prayers, dreams and in my heart. 

Love your son Joseph Anthony Rico



My name is Lora (Kahanu) Diebling.

I’ve known the Rico Family for 50+ years. Tony and Fina were my second mom and dad growing up. Robert, Danny, Lisy, Martha, Joe and Ben you are my brothers and sisters you all hold a special place in my heart. You all have a very strong O’Hana bond in some way or another with each other.
 
Today we lost a strong loving, brave soul, Tony you will be missed tremendously you were a good provider for your family and loved by all.

I would like to share a few memories of Tony.  He use to call us Lisy, Martha and myself “The Three Musketeers”.  He had a talent for whistling and he had a certain whistle call for each of his children.
When they heard their whistle call, it was time to go home. 

As an adult now, my daughter Liane also had memories of Tony’s whistling  talent in her words “I will always remember him whistling  to the pigeons or doves he had when I would be in grandma and grandpa's front yard during the summer and spring time. Also him and my grandpa would whistle back and forth to each other. They both were damn good whistlers. Always wished I could whistle like them. And tony always calling me Mija.”

Tony will always have a special place in our hearts and in our memories. 
 
I love you Tony and I hope that you and my dad (Merle) are whistling in harmony together in heaven.
RIP ❤️


OBITUARY

Antonio E Rico

September 28, 1929 – March 7, 2019

Miller Mies Downey Mortuary

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