Dates
In Loving Memory of Rico
May 16, 1974 – August 25, 2026
“Rico” entered his eternal home on August 25, 2026, taking his last breath on earth and his first breath in Heaven. While our hearts are heavy with the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, we find comfort in knowing that Rico is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—the One he loved, trusted, and boldly proclaimed throughout his life.
Rico was born in Del Rio, Texas, on May 16, 1974, to his parents, Simon and Rosa Rico. He leaves behind his selflessly devoted and loving wife, Bianca Rico, and the children he cherished deeply: Sabrina (Rudy), Jaeyla, Ayevah, Tito (Korina), Sebastian (Kayla), and Gavin. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Grayson, “El Gordo,” Kayzlee, and Micah, his “Güero Baby.” He is also survived by his brothers, Ricardo (Delores) and Rodrigo (Ana), along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, coworkers, and loved ones who were blessed to know him.
Rico was truly the life of the party. His infamous dad jokes, goofy personality, contagious laugh, and ability to make people smile could light up any room he entered. He lived life boldly and unapologetically, often as though nobody was watching. He was genuine, unforgettable, and completely himself.
Rico took great pride in his career as a compressor mechanic, previously working at Targa. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience with his coworkers and friends. He was confident in what he knew—and if it wasn’t his way, well, it probably wasn’t correct in his eyes! That confidence was just another part of the personality that made Rico uniquely Rico.
Outside of work, Rico found joy in the simple things that made life beautiful. He loved spending time with his family, taking spontaneous trips out of town, being on the water, and, of course, barbecuing an award-winning brisket. Cooking was more than something he did; it was one of the ways he brought people together. There was always something special about gathering around good food, good company, and Rico.
Rico also had a deep appreciation for nature and the beauty of God’s creation. He loved green, green grass, big and tall green trees that provided shade, the peacefulness of being outdoors, and especially the sound of birds. He noticed the beauty around him and did not take it for granted. Nature reminded him of the Creator he loved so dearly.
But above all else, Rico loved Jesus Christ.
He was unashamed of the Gospel and unafraid to speak the truth of God’s Word. His faith was not something he kept hidden—it was woven into who he was. Rico wanted everyone around him to experience the living God he knew personally. He often told people, “Why wait to come to Jesus if you have now?”
That question was more than a saying. It was an invitation.
Rico wanted people to know Jesus—not simply know about Him, but truly know Him. He cherished every Sunday at church and the time he spent worshiping with the people he loved. His greatest desire was for others to experience the hope, love, salvation, and relationship with Christ that he had experienced.
Rico’s Favorite Bible Verse
John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
These words so beautifully reflect the faith Rico lived and the Jesus he so passionately loved and proclaimed. He believed there was no greater truth, no greater hope, and no greater invitation than knowing Jesus Christ.
Rico lived with an extraordinary ability to see the glass half full rather than half empty. Even in difficult circumstances, he found a way forward. He seemed to have little use for the word “stress,” choosing instead to face life with courage, humor, faith, and an unshakable trust in God.
And if you knew Rico, you probably heard some of his favorite sayings: “It sucks to know how to cook!” “Well, duh!” and “Are you freakin’ serious?!”—usually followed by that unmistakable laugh of his.
Rico leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind a testimony.
He leaves behind the sound of his laughter, the taste of his brisket, the stories from spontaneous adventures, the beauty of the outdoors he loved, the lessons he shared, and, most importantly, the testimony of a man who loved Jesus Christ without shame.
His life reminds us that we are not promised tomorrow. His question still echoes:
“Why wait to come to Jesus if you have now?”
If Rico could leave one final message with us, perhaps it would be to stop waiting, stop taking life for granted, and turn your heart toward the One he knew as Lord. The greatest way to honor Rico’s life is not simply to remember him, but to seek the Jesus he loved so deeply.
Thank you, my love, for existing in the same world with us, for loving us so fiercely, for making us laugh, and for fighting the trials of this lifetime courageously with such admirable and unshakable faith. Until we meet again, we will carry your love with us.
Te Quiero Por Siempre Mi Amor.
Please put your cowboy boots on and join us as we see our cowboy off into the eternal sunset.
Services
Viewing
Sunday, August 30, 2026
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Robert Massie Funeral Home
Funeral Service
Monday, August 31, 2026
10:00 AM
Freedom Fellowship Church
342 S. Chadbourne Street
San Angelo, Texas
Burial to Follow
Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens
4989 FM Highway 1223
San Angelo, Texas 76905
Grateful Hearts
First and foremost, we give all glory, honor, and gratitude to You, Lord, for Your faithfulness.Through every valley, every battle, every uncertainty, and every moment of grace, You never left us. You were our strength when we were weak, our peace when we could not understand, and our refuge when the journey became too difficult to bear. We thank You for carrying Rico and for carrying us.
To our spiritual covering, Pastor Harold and First Lady Mary Lou, Freedom Intercessors, prayer warriors, and all the saints of God, we offer our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for speaking words of life and lifting your voices to Heaven on Rico’s behalf. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to our family when we needed Him most.
Thank you for standing with us and standing for Rico in the battlefield of prayer—never growing weary, never ceasing to believe, and never wavering in faith. Your prayers became a covering. Your love became strength. Your presence reminded us that we were never walking this journey alone.
It was as though linked shields of faith surrounded Rico, standing firm and never going down, creating a path for him to cross the finish line peacefully and gracefully.
Rico finished his race. He kept the faith. And now, he is home with Jesus.
To those who cared for Rico so faithfully, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Usoro, Bella, and Remy at Shannon 4 South for the care, compassion, and kindness shown to Rico during his time there. Your care for my husband meant more than words can express. We will forever be grateful for the way you cared for him and for us.
And to those who walked beside our family in other ways, a special thank-you to MaryBeth Luttrell and Matt for your love, support, kindness, and presence during this difficult time. Your compassion will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Rico, your boots may be hanging up here on earth, but we know you are walking the streets of gold with Jesus.
Until we meet again, cowboy.