Ricardo P. Cervantes

Ricardo P. Cervantes

Ricardo P. Cervantes, 83, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away, Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Bethesda Care Center, Fremont, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family. Ricardo was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Eulogio and Maria (Alvarado) Cervantes.

Ricardo married the love of his life, Sharon C. Smallwood, on October 6, 1961, and together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. He began his career serving youth at the Toledo Boy's Club before moving into education, first teaching at Central Catholic in 1965. In 1968, he joined Waite High School, where he served in numerous roles including Spanish teacher, football coach, Dean of Men, Assistant Principal of Activities, Assistant Principal of Instruction, and ultimately Principal. Ricardo made history as the first Hispanic head coach and the first Hispanic principal in Toledo. Following his impactful years at Waite, he was appointed Executive Director of Secondary Education.

Even in retirement, his dedication to education continued through his work with the Toledo Catholic Diocese as Executive Director of the Children's Scholarship Fund and Director of the Minority Scholarship Fund. He later returned briefly to serve as Principal at Rogers High School. Ricardo's lifelong commitment to education and his community earned him numerous honors, including the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award, East Toledo Neighborhood Award, Distinguished Alumnus recognition, the Hispanic Diamante Award, and the Toledo Public Schools Outstanding Service Award, among many others.

He loved fishing and traveling, especially to the family cottage up north and to Disney World with his beloved wife. Above all, his proudest achievement was his family.

Surviving is his loving wife, Sharon; children, Phillip (Susan) Cervantes, David (Lori) Cervantes, Angela (KJ) Dewitt; grandchildren, Melissa (Brad) Baer, David (Kristen) Cervantes, Mallory (Erics) Apelis, Jessica Cervantes, Allison Cervantes, Phillip (Jeanette) Cervantes, Megan (Matt) Dotson, Michael Cervantes, Zackary (Margie) DeWitt, Maisy DeWitt; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Ricardo was preceded in death by his parents, Eulogio and Maria Cervantes; grandparents, Serafina, and Felipe Alvarado; and several aunts and uncles.

Private family services were held at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Toledo Hospital and Regency St. Charles for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ricardo's memory to the American Heart Association.

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