RICARDO MOLINA

Ricardo was born May 20, 1953, and went to heaven on December 29, 2022, at age 69. Ricardo was born in Laredo, Texas but was one of the founding residents of Rio Bravo in 1983, where he lived and served the community. He was a proud graduate of Nixon High School Class of 1974, and he served as the DECA president. In August of 2022, Ricardo Molina Middle School opened its doors to serve more than 700 students in a state-of-the-art facility that will stand as a testament to Mr. Molina’s legacy. He selected the Grizzly Bear as the school’s mascot. He lovingly called his grandchildren his “baby bears.” He was known as a man of integrity who would always fight for what he felt was right, always gave back to his community and never expected any praise or acknowledgement.

He was full of love and laughter and loved his family with all of his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernardino and Lydia Molina, sister Teresa Molina, Lydia Cedillo, and grandchild Angel Molina.

Ricardo is survived by his ex-wife of 45 years Teodora Isabel Fox, sons: Nino (Ruth) Molina, Ricardo (Iliana) Molina Jr., Armando (Michelle) Molina and daughter Melissa (Marcelo) Hinojosa. Grandchildren: Ricardo Molina III, Victoria Molina, Matthew Molina, Amanda Rae Molina, Zoe Sky Molina, Xander Fox Molina, Camila Hinojosa and Marcelo Hinojosa. He is also survived by his brothers Armando and Nino Molina, sisters Adela Kenner, Maria Armstrong, Maria (Evaristo) Palacios, and Polly (Pedro) Ramirez, nieces, and nephews.

Mr. Molina joined the UISD Board of Trustees in 1996 because he believed in public service. He never wavered from his belief that his most important duty as a Board Member was keeping the interests of the community at the forefront. “You have to look out for the taxpayers, students, and the people you serve,” he once said. Mr. Molina represented District 1, which includes south Laredo, Rio Bravo and El Cenizo. He was last employed as the Director of the Rio Bravo and El Cenizo Community Centers, which underscored his lifelong devotion to serving the community.