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Ricardo P. Cervantes
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Ricardo Cervantes Obituary
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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Memories and Condolences
for Ricardo Cervantes
Sponsored by Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home - Oregon Chapel.
12 Entries
Mark Christy
Yesterday
Mr. Cervantes
One of my greatest friends (even though he was my teacher and coach) from Waite HS. My love, thoughts and prayers to your great Family. Sharon, Phillip, David and Angie - please remember those good old days, Pizzas for the answers.
American Heart Association
Yesterday
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
James Sturgill
Yesterday
Dear Cervantes Family
Rich was my mentor and friend; not a day has went by since I left Waite High that I did not think about him ask myself what would Mr. Cervantes do in this situation. He was and still is a great inspiration and helped me be successful in life. We and I will miss you my dear friend; we will meet again in the promise land.
Jim Sturgill
Charles Heibeck
Yesterday
Remembered him as a teacher at Waite H S . Was a great guy. He will be missed.
Dennis Kish
October 20, 2025
Ric, you were one of my dearest friends. I´ll miss you my old buddy.
Elizabeth Kiss Wray ( Hamernik)
October 19, 2025
Mr. Cervantes was a Titan of the Waite community . He had such a charisma & genuine smile . He had authentic relationships with his colleagues & shared mutual respect .
To his family , may you all find GOD´s loving comfort and may you all know that Mr. Cervantes has seen the face of GOD and lives!
Ken & Rene´ Steingraber
October 19, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr Cervantes served under many different titles, but his kind, compassionate and caring tendencies always shown through. He was a pillar of stability and support around Waite High School. He touched our lives, and those of so many, in a positive way. Thank you all for sharing such a wonderful human being with us. May Mr Cervantes rest in peace in the Heavenly home he has been gifted. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Martha Iskander
October 19, 2025
Sending our love and prayers to Sharon and your entire family. We feel blessed to have known him and all of you.8/4/24
Marilyn Adkins
October 19, 2025
Great person and educator. May god bless you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Beverly Liner
October 19, 2025
We loved taking care of him at Regency! We loved you, too! We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Your devotion and care to him was so evident and a blessing to watch. Praying for your hearts as you grieve and sending hugs and love from Regency.
Doug Clark
October 19, 2025
Such a wonderful man a d friend will be sadly missed but his Summer Canadian friends Doug Candy & Digger there son who he always made so much fun of. Your cottage here on Manitoulin will never be the same without you but we will always cherish those memories of you forever. We never knew of all his achievements in his life so happy to hear these. Thinking of the family at this time. Thank you. Doug , Candy & Digger
JOHN GRAY
October 19, 2025
HE WAS THE BEST TEACHER I EVER HAD, I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM, RIH AMIGO
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