Ricardo David Erosa

Ricardo David EROSA Ricardo David Erosa, 52, passed away July 13, 2010 after a long and courageous 15 month battle with brain cancer. Rick was born February 17, 1959 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Vincent and Frances Erosa (Fingard). He then moved to Seattle as a young boy and graduated from Ballard High School. While living in Seattle, Rick met his wife Debbie in 1983, and they were married on July 12, 1986. Rick held on and gave her a full 24 years filled with love, laughter and memories to last her a lifetime. Rick loved being a father to his two boys Ricky and Julian and supported them in all their adventures. He handed down his car wash knowledge to Ricky and always looked forward to watching Julian's MMA fights. He enjoyed traveling with his family especially their yearly trip to Mexico, which always included a Ping Pong tournament. He had a passion for cars from a very young age and began working at a body shop at 14 and eventually opened his own shop with his brother Ron in 1988. In 2001 he moved his family to Yakima where he owned and operated several car washes from Yakima to the lower valley. Transitioning from the body shop into the car wash industry brought several challenges but was eager to learn the tricks of the trade. He loved getting to know his customers and even during his battle he was determined to stay active in the business as long as he could. Although Rick was a shy person you would have never known it by his energetic and fun loving personality. He was an amazing friend to many and impacted the lives of everyone that knew him. He could carry on a conversation with just about anyone and was often referred to as "Dr. Phil" with the nurses and techs during his many hospital stays. He truly was one of kind and will be deeply missed by many. Rick is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Debbie and their sons, Ricky and Julian of Yakima; his mother, Frances Bumgarner of Seattle; brothers, Ron Erosa of Lake Stevens, Mike Erosa of Pine Grove, California; sisters, Renee Layer, Tracy Alexander of Douglas, Wyoming; mother-in-law, Juanita Schlieve of Sunnyside; sister-in-law, Tina (Anthony) Martinez of Zillah; numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent Erosa, of Stockton California and his father-in-law, Arthur B. Schlieve. The family would like to thank Dr. Albert Brady, Dr. Michael Thomas and their associates and staff for incredible care and support through such a difficult battle. We'd also like to thank the nursing and tech staff and Yakima Regional Hospital. They would also like to thank the many family and friends for all their love and support. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society c/o Keith and Keith Funeral Home. Visitation will be Noon to 5:00p.m. Sunday, July 18th and 4:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, July, 19th at Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. A Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.