Cesar Del Cano Rico

Cesar Karim Del Cano Rico passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 40 in Nashville, Tennessee, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Born on January 20, 1985, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Cesar lived a life defined by passion, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.

Cesar's love for soccer was more than a pastime—it was a calling. He channeled this passion into founding the LA Fury Soccer Club, a space where young athletes could not only develop their skills on the field but also grow as individuals. Through his leadership and coaching, Cesar created an environment that emphasized teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. He believed deeply in the power of education and used soccer as a bridge to help young people pursue higher learning opportunities. His mentorship extended far beyond the pitch; he inspired countless youth to dream bigger and reach further.

Those who knew Cesar remember him as incredibly charismatic and endlessly kind-hearted. A man full of life, he had an extraordinary ability to connect with people from all walks of life and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether offering support during difficult times or celebrating others' successes with genuine joy, Cesar had an extraordinary ability to uplift those around him. He inspired people to believe in themselves and strive toward becoming their best selves.

Cesar's impact was felt deeply within his family as well. He is lovingly remembered by his son Gianluca; his wife Courtney; his mother Alejandra; his brothers Anthony and Jonathan; his sister Mayra; his nephews Isaiah and Gerardo Jr.; his niece Jazmine; and countless other members of his extended family. Their lives—and the lives of so many others—were enriched by Cesar's warmth, wisdom, and boundless energy.

Cesar's interests were as vibrant and diverse as his personality. Soccer remained at the center of his identity, but sports of all kinds captured his attention. He also had a deep appreciation for music, the arts, and history. He was especially passionate about his Mexican heritage and culture but also found joy in learning about cultures from around the world.

Cesar Karim Del Cano Rico leaves behind a legacy of compassion, inspiration, and community impact that will continue to resonate for years to come. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and strength to those he inspired.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 14, 2026, at 02:00 PM at Pasadena Church East Campus 425 Sierra Madre Villa Ave. Cesar's passion was soccer, and it brought him immense joy throughout his life. In his honor, the family invites those attending the service to wear either a white shirt or their favorite soccer jersey, if they have one.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to City of Hope, a leading cancer research and treatment organization, in remembrance of Cesar's courageous battle with cancer.

Those who wish to assist the family with expenses related to Cesar's passing may reach out directly to his brother, Jonathan at (626) 316-9493 or sister-in-law Veronica at (626) 863-9836. Any contributed funds in excess of these costs will be used to relaunch Cesar's non-profit organization, LA Fury, which the family plans to continue in honor of his name and lasting legacy.

A card box will be available during the memorial service and reception ceremony. The family would be grateful for attendees to share a favorite memory and/or photographs of Cesar, which will be compiled into a memory book following the service. Those who are unable to attend may also email memories and photos to the family at [email protected]