Ricardo Martinez III

March 11, 2000- July 16, 2024

Ricardo “Ricky” Martinez III, 24, was born on March 11, 2000 in Laredo, Texas to Ricardo and Maria Martinez.

Ricky graduated from JB Alexander High School in 2018 where he was known as an Orchestra Hall of Fame Legend who played the viola. Ricky was also a proud alumnus of the University of Texas- San Antonio where he received his diploma in a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics in December of 2023. “Go Roadrunner’s!”

Ricky was currently registering to architect school at UTSA. Ricky was an exceptional student who always put his education first. He was always willing to learn something new to enhance his intelligence. Ricky would’ve been an excellent architect, always wanting everything to be perfect. From the Legos sets he would make to the sketches of his future house, it had to be done to perfection. You could “Never tell him the odds” (Han Solo).

Ricky could be described in many different ways but some of the words you would hear often would be caring, funny, selfless, loving, and kind. Ricky had a personality that would light up the darkest rooms. He had a humor like no one else. He was always able to get people to smile or break out in laughter in any given moment paired with his most contagious laugh.

He was always willing to lend a hand whether it be to help cut the lawn with his dad, take out the trash for his mom, or to push his niece in the stroller, he was always there.

Ricky was not like everyone you would meet. He was special in many ways ever since he came into this world. Loved the flavors of bubblegum and cotton candy ice cream. No matter what, he always ordered pepperoni pizza, if it was on the menu. Having to get the new Nike Dunks that were coming out. Playing Overwatch Fortnite on his PlayStation for hours. Watching every single movie from any century and listening to every song possible known to man.

Ricky had a love for music that we have never seen from anyone else. He played the viola for many years and always learned to read music for other instruments he wanted to play. Ricky also dedicated his time helping his former orchestra teacher Mr. Ray Pena with his summer camps. From classical music to hardcore rock he listened to it all.  His ears for music were extraordinary. Something about music would always brought a smile to his face and made his life complete.

He always thought he “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” (Billy Currington) as he went through his journey. Not many people can say this but Ricky is a hero, someone’s answered prayers. At the University Medical Center, he will be on the Wall of Hero’s, because he donated his organs in order to save someone else’s life. He was truly a selfless and generous person.

Ricky leaves behind his beloved parents Ricardo and Maria Martinez. Along with his older sister Chelsea Makens and little brother George Allen Martinez. He also leaves behind his cherished longtime girlfriend Veronica Prado who he spent most of his years creating beautiful memories with. Ricky was also a beloved grandson, nephew, cousin, brother-in-law, friend and uncle to his favorite and only niece Cecilia Makens.

Ricky will always be the light in our lives and will give us strength in our hearts. We love you so deeply and you will be missed every day. May you rest in peace our angel. Forever 24.

“We’re still pioneers, we’ve barely begun. Our greatest accomplishments cannot be behind us, because our destiny lies above us.”-Cooper, Interstellar 2014

The Martinez family will be receiving guests on Thursday, August 1, 2024, in the Angelus Chapel at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Funeral procession will follow to St. Patrick Catholic Church, where mass will begin at 1:30 pm. Funeral services will conclude after mass and cremation will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com

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