Carlos Rico Sr.

1940 - 2015

Carlos Rico Sr.
Aug. 23, 1940~Jan. 8, 2015
Resident of Watsonville
Carlos F. Rico, a long-time Watsonville civic leader died Thursday, January 8, 2015 at his Watsonville home after a long illness. Mr. Rico, 74, was born to Alberto and Herminia Rico in Watsonville and spent his entire life in the community. He was educated at Moreland Notre Dame Academy, St. Francis High School and Heald's Business College.
Mr. Rico operated La Flor del Valle Market on Union St. in Watsonville until retiring in 1997. He was a long-time member of the Watsonville Chamber of Commerce and was named its Man of the Year in 1989. His association with the Santa Cruz Chapter of the American Red Cross lasted for nearly 30 years and he had served on its Board of Directors. Mr. Rico was currently a Disaster Action Team Leader for the Red Cross.
Mr. Rico was vice-president for the Migration and Adaptation in the Americas which promotes higher education for migrant farm workers. He was a trustee of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District for five years, served with the Santa Cruz County Housing Authority and sat on various Boards. He belonged to the Watsonville Rotary Club for 30 years. He was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow in 1988. His volunteer activities also included the Watsonville Reserve Fire Department, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Dept. and the Watsonville Police Department. He previously served on the Santa Cruz Democratic Central Committee and on the County Grand Jury.
Mr. Rico was a past president and co-founder of the Watsonville High School Foundation. An active Catholic, he belonged to St. Patrick's Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Rico is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret Osorio Rico; two sons, Carlos F. Rico Jr. and his wife Donna, and Theodore J. Rico; two daughters, Cynthia M. Rico and Tina L. Rico-Parker and her husband Sean. He leaves six granddaughters and two grandsons.
A Rosary and Vigil Service will be held Wednesday, January 14th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church. Visitation will begin at the Church from 5-9 pm. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be offered Thursday, January 15th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moreland Norte Dame School and St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School in his name. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mehl's Colonial Chapel.