Ricardo Chapa Jr.

Ricardo Chapa Jr. (Richard) was called to our Lord on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Atascosa, Texas. Richard passed away at the age of 60 years old. He unexpectedly and peacefully passed away while working. He was a son, father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, cousin and a dear friend to many.

Richard was born on November 19, 1964, to the late Ricardo Chapa Sr. and Adela Chapa in San Antonio, Texas. He is survived by his mother, Adela; his wife of 25 years, Dina Chapa; his daughter, Monica DeLeon; his son, Ricardo Chapa III (Diana Chapa); his stepdaughter, Tammy Suarez (Robert Suarez); and stepson, Ruben Estrada. He had four precious granddaughters, Evanie Chapa, MJ (Lace) DeLeon, Mia Chapa, Camille Chapa, nine step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren. Richard is also survived by his four younger siblings, Camila (Miguel Mares), Osvaldo Chapa, Marisa (Dave Roberts), and Adriana Chapa. He is also survived by many very close cousins in San Antonio and Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Richard lived an exemplary life as a committed and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He grew up in downtown San Antonio in the historic King William neighborhood where he attended Bonham Elementary, Page Middle School, and Wheatley High School. Richard graduated in 1983 and was a member of the Eagle Tennis Team, Chess Club, and Auto Mechanics Vocational Program. While in high school, he got married and had his first child, Monica, in 1982. He would later have his son Ricky in 1985.

Richard began working for Kentucky Fried Chicken while in high school and worked there for many years. Richard attended Hallmark Institute of Technology where he earned his Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology in 1989. After graduating, he moved to Austin, Texas and later to Round Rock, Texas where he began his career in the computer industry working for Texas Instruments and IBM. He then went to work for Xetel and it was during this time that he met his wife, Dina. She worked at Dell Technologies where he later followed and joined the Dell family. Richard and Dina worked at Dell for many years. The Dell community has shared countless memories of Richard including his hard work ethic, knowledge of the computer industry, dependability, and his resourcefulness in working within a team environment. Richard also had a computer repair business at his home.

After some unforeseen layoffs in the computer industry, Richard decided to get his CDL License in 2016. He started working for Covenant Trucking where he delivered goods across the nation. He traveled all over the United States and had the opportunity to collect hundreds of postcards from the many cities he visited. In 2018, he worked for Stevens Trucking Company. Then in December 2020, he was hired by Texas Chrome Trucking in Atascosa, Texas delivering sand to oil well drilling sites. He made many friends and became part of the TCT family. He had a very strong work ethic and stayed close to his work so that he could quickly take on additional loads. He really enjoyed working there until his very last day here on earth with us.

Richard adored and loved his grandchildren. He was a girl grandpa and was proud of it. He enjoyed attending family celebrations and functions. If there was music, you could always find him on the dance floor. He and Dina were regulars at his favorite bar in Round Rock called the Goal Post. They also loved to have Mexican Martinis at Baby A’s. Although he struggled with his arthritis for most of his life, he never turned down a game of pool. He competed and won several pool tournaments in his lifetime. He also loved to bowl, play ping pong and Texas Hold’em. He loved to play the lottery. You could always catch him with scratch offs and Powerball lotto tickets. Unfortunately, he never won big, but he sure helped make some lucky person out there rich.

Richard LOVED to go fishing and it was one of his favorite hobbies. As a young boy, he would fish on the banks of the San Antonio River close to home in the neighborhood. He made many special trips to the coast with family and friends. He loved to fish with his son Ricky and would go long hours into the night and early morning enjoying their time together. Richard was a handy man and enjoyed woodworking. He was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Longhorns. After a long day, he’d sit in front of the TV on his recliner with a bowl of chocolate ice cream. He was just like his dad, hard of hearing, so the TV was always cranked up high. He was a simple yet complex man. However, if he had his Black and Mild cigars and his BIG coffee mug, he was happy. And of course, on his off days, he enjoyed his cold Bud Lights.

Richard will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His strength, kindness, and quiet wisdom touched countless lives. We will treasure his laughter, his holiday text messages, and his voicemails. His memory will live on in the stories we share and the love we carry forward. Though he may be gone from our sight, he will remain in our hearts forever. We love you Richard. May you rest in peace in God’s eternal life. For all those who think of him or wonder why he is missing, just know he is in a better place. Better yet, he has GONE FISHIN.