Ricardo A. Richard Esparza

Ricardo "Richard" A. Esparza, born on August 14, 1944, died peacefully on Sunday, January 24, 2016, at the age of 71, surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Margaret Esparza and his younger brother James.

He graduated from Edgewood High School in 1962, after many honors achieved, including coming in second in a city-wide Science Fair, and commanding Edgewood's first ROTC (NDCC) Drill Team into city honors as their first Cadet Colonel. He also received an offer to a Congressional Scholarship to West Point from Congressman Henry B. Gonzales, which he turned down.

He attended San Antonio College on scholarship as a Chemistry Major before receiving a draft notice during the Vietnam War. He joined the USAF, married his high school sweetheart, Martha Munoz, and continued his schooling whenever possible. After leaving the Air Force, he resumed his studies and received his Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting in May 1975 from St. Mary's University and went to work for EXXON Headquarters in Houston. Returning to San Antonio in 1978 and with a Certified Public Accountant Certificate he worked for AACOG, Tesoro Petroleum, and USAA, from which he retired 20 years later. USAA had sponsored him through a Master's Program at Incarnate Word University, where he received a Master's Degree in Business Administration in Information Technology, a degree he earned "with distinction" meaning straight A's throughout the program in 1994. This he accomplished while working full-time, attending school, and maintaining his tax practice, a point of which he was always proud.

Richard loved spending time travelling with friends and family, whether to points of interest in the USA or abroad. Spending time with grandchildren Catherine Raine and Michael was his greatest pleasure.

He also especially enjoyed his camaraderie with his fellow veterans in The Edgewood District Veterans, for which he was the Treasurer since its inception nine years ago, and their Wednesday Breakfast Club, The ROMEOs. He also enjoyed his other men's club, The Alamo Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, for which he also served as Treasurer for eight years.

Richard is survived by his cherished wife, Martha G. Esparza, his two loving sons, Joseph A. Esparza and his wife Stephanie, and grandchildren, Catherine Raine and Michael, and Mario A. Esparza and his wife Laura, and numerous cousins.

A Rosary will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary on McCullough on Thursday, February 4th at 7:00 p.m.

On Friday, February 5th a procession will depart Porter Loring at 9:15 a.m. for a Celebration of Life Service at 9:45 a.m. at San Fernando Cathedral.

Burial will follow at Ft Sam Houston at 11:15 a.m.