Ricardo “Rick” Cardenas
Rick passed into eternal life on January 28th, 2023. He is survived by his daughters- Irene Cardenas (Travis Buzzelli), Lisa Zaragoza-Peters (Steve Peters) and Allison Lucero. Sons- Carlos Lucero, Lucio (Andrea) Zaragoza. Grandchildren- Natalee, Kash, Kannon, Nico, Marcos, Samantha, John Jr., Ariana, Isabella and Michelle. Great grandchildren- Peyton, Presley, Johnny, Lakyn and Jacob. Great great grandchildren- Dakota and Theo. Sister- Rosalinda Fuentes-Preciado. Brothers- Joe Fuentes and Alfaro Cardenas. Cousin- Mary Gomez-Talamantez. And Emily (Mullins) Pierce, caregiver of 6 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Valentina Cardenas (Lucero), Brothers- Fransisco Fuentes, Pedro Fuentes, Narciso (Cecil) Fuentes. Sisters- Encarnacion Fuentes-Zubiran, Frances Fuentes-Chavarria and son, Tony Lucero. Rick was born February 7th, 1934 in Brackettville, Texas. At the age of 3 he went to live with his grandmother, Genoveva. She taught him everything from cooking to cleaning, to taking care of animals and loving them, and having a great, loving relationship with God. They did everything together, she was his best friend. In 1954 at the age of 20 Rick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. and served PROUDLY until he retired as a Sergeant in 1957. Once he retired from active duty, Rick began to work on the Marine Base in Barstow, CA as an Architecture Technician from 1957 to 1987. In that time as an Architecture Technician Rick received multiple Superior Performance Awards and promotions. He was a resident of Victorville since 1979 with his wife Valentina Cardenas, where he continued to work as a freelance Architecture Technician and a DUI Counselor for many years. Rick loved his dog Sassy and enjoyed her company very much. She was his best friend. He also enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams, his old shows and doing his puzzle books. He also loved watching his grandkids play. Rick was the most loving, caring and selfless man. He always put others’ needs before his own. He was always very respectful and honorable. He was so smart and very organized. He will FOREVER be remembered and MISSED dearly!
