Ricardo L. Fonseca (Richard) age 81 of San Benito, TX went to be with the Lord on Tuesday April 2 and his beloved wife Sara Fonseca waiting for him with open arms. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was the pilar of the family and always there to support and give advice. He was an altruistic man that would give his last dollar to help others in need. He graduated San Benito High School in 1962 and was a Greyhound at heart. He played football with the Greyhounds as a tackle/guard during his high school years. He loved playing football during the glory years and then later with his son, daughters, and granddaughters. He attended San Benito High School football games every chance he got. His favorite football teams were the San Benito Greyhounds, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Texas Longhorns. He was a Vietnam Era veteran who joined the United States Army in 1964 and was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. There he worked on topography maps as an 83A10 Printer's Helper. He earned his expert badge as a rifleman and the National Defense Service Medal. After serving two years in the Army, he was honorably discharged. He then joined the Texas National Guard and worked in the motor pool as a 63A10 wheeled vehicle repairman with a back specialty in infantry. He again earned his expert badge as a rifleman. He was honorably discharged in June of 1970. He was very proud and honored to serve in the United States military and do his duty to the country. After the military, he attended classes at Texas State Technical Institute in auto mechanics, but life took him in a different direction. He went back to doing his original military occupation as a printer at the Valley Morning Star newspaper. He started as a printer working on the printing press printing newspapers for the whole valley. He worked his way up to the Composing room working as a compositor and typesetter. He retired from the Valley Morning Star after 38 and a half years. He enjoyed his work and always looked forward to receiving the newspaper after retirement. Although his first intention was to read it, he always ended up proofreading it. He married his beloved wife Sara Macias in 1967 and was married to her 48 years until her passing in August of 2016. They both loved the outdoors, and he was quick to teach his daughters and son about the outdoors and fishing. He loved to take his family on fishing trips to South Padre Island. He taught his daughters and son to fish as soon as they were able to hold a fishing rod. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, and carpenter. He went fishing every chance he got by going to local canals or resacas trying to catch the elusive catan. He had a green thumb because anything he planted would grow up to be beautiful and productive. As a carpenter, he designed and built tables and cabinets. He loved to be active and keep himself occupied. He was a devout Catholic and attended mass most Sundays. He loved attending mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church and listening to Father Joe's homilies. He found peace and strength in praying the rosary daily. He felt that with God at his side, there wasn't anything he couldn't accomplish. Dad, you will be greatly missed, and we will always carry you in our hearts. He is preceded in death by his mother Eva Leal Fonseca, his father Apolonio Fonseca, his beloved wife of 48 years, Sara Macias Fonseca, his niece Maria Teresa (Terry) Rodriguez, and nephews Simon Fonseca, Jr and Alberto Fonseca, Jr. He is survived by his daughters Melida Fonseca and Meliza Fonseca of San Benito, TX, and his son Ricardo Fonseca, Jr (Esmeralda) of West, TX, sister Yolanda Rodriguez (Juan-deceased) of San Benito, TX, and brothers Alberto Fonseca (Flor) and Jose Fonseca (Lydia) of Harlingen, TX, Antonio Fonseca (Irma), Simon Fonseca (Delia), Apolonio Fonseca, Jr (Esmeralda) of San Benito, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren Andrea E. Grether (Benjamin) and Victoria D. Fonseca of West, TX and two great-grandchildren Magnus B. Grether and Nora E. Grether of West, TX and numerous nieces and nephews. Honored to serve as his pallbearers will be Victoria D. Fonseca (granddaughter), Eddie Fonseca, Pedro Torres, Robert Torres, Matthew Izaguirre, Raul Martinez, Arnold Macias, and Eddie De Leon. A celebration of Ricardo's life will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, TX where we will honor his memory and find solace in the love and togetherness he cherished so much. A Catholic mass will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1300 Combes St, San Benito, TX on Saturday April 6, 2024, at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at San Benito Memorial Park 2500 N. Sam Houston Blvd, San Benito, TX. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Ricardo L. Fonseca at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, TX (956)399-1331.