Ricardo Rodriguez

Ricardo “Ricky” Rodriguez, beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away on January 3, 2025, at the age of 39. Born Ricky Rodriguez on January 20, 1985, he later changed his name to Ricardo, though to his family, he was always Ricky. He grew up in El Paso, Texas, as the youngest of four on his mother’s side and the youngest of three on his father’s side.

After graduating from Job Corps in El Paso, Ricky enrolled at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he studied physics. In pursuit of his passion for service and leadership, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserves on January 31, 2011, serving as a Flight Man at Holloman Air Force Base. He later transferred to a unit in Petersburg, Colorado, where he spent ten years as Flight Chief, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant. In 2024, he transferred to Buckley Space Force Base to join the 8th Space Warning Squadron, where he was training to become a certified Missile Warning and Tracking Operator. Throughout his service, Ricky earned 14 federal awards, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal (four times) and the Air Reserve Forces Medal (four Oak Leaf Clusters). He was a dedicated leader, known for his mentorship and commitment to uplifting those around him, always making an effort to include and support struggling junior members.

Outside of his military service, Ricky lived life to the fullest. He was an avid outdoorsman who thrived in nature, frequently climbing Colorado’s Fourteeners, hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing, and bouldering. He had a deep love for travel, always seeking new adventures across the world. For his first trip to Europe, he visited Germany and, with his characteristic determination, taught himself the language. Later, he enrolled in a formal course, where he impressed his instructor so much that they asked him to fill in for them when they were absent.

A passionate music fan, Ricky was a devoted Metallica and Lamb of God listener, a regular concertgoer, and even taught himself how to play guitar.

Ricky will be remembered for his loyalty, intelligence, and easygoing nature. He was slow to anger, truly egalitarian, and made friends wherever he went. He radiated positivity, optimism, and self-reliance, always seeing the best in people and extending forgiveness easily. He was a man of harmony and kindness, deeply caring for his friends and family. To know Ricky was to know a genuine, adventurous, and compassionate soul who brought light and laughter to those around him.

He is survived by his mother, Norma Rodriguez; his siblings, Jimmy Barraza, Nora Newman, Yvette Hernandez, Carlos Rodriguez, and Carmen Rodriguez. He is preceded in death by his father, Rosendo Rodriguez, and his grandmother, Nora Villalpando.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Homes - East, 750 N. Carolina. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 PM at the same location. Interment will take place at 2:30 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson.

"The youngest is often the fiercest, for they grow in the shadows of giants and learn to stand tall before their time." – Unknown

Ricky’s legacy of service, adventure, and unwavering kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.