Ricardo Lagos

Ricardo Lagos, born September 17, 1962, in Santiago, Chile, was a deeply loved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. His life was defined by faith, kindness, hard work, and an extraordinary love for the people around him.

In 1993, Ricardo moved to the United States after meeting the love of his life, Donna Lagos. Together, they shared 34 years of marriage and a love that grew stronger with every passing year. Through every hardship and season of life, they remained each other’s anchors. There was nothing Ricardo would not do for Donna, and their devotion became one of the greatest examples he gave his family.

Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others. Ricardo never knew a stranger. He welcomed people with an open heart and made them feel as though they belonged. To him, family was never limited by blood; countless friends became family through the generosity of his love.

Ricardo was a loving father to Ashley Martinez, Xavier Lagos, and Adrian Lagos, and he loved his bonus daughter, Courtney, as his own. His children’s friends often knew him simply as “Dad,” a title that reflected the warmth and acceptance he offered so freely.

He taught his children the value of hard work and the importance of keeping God and family at the center of their lives. Most of all, he showed them what unconditional love looked like.

He showed up.

His children never had to wonder whether their dad was in their corner. Ricardo was proud of them in their greatest accomplishments and stood beside them through their most difficult moments.

He adored his grandchildren. Leonidas, Giovanni, Lorelai, and Andie. Being their grandfather brought him tremendous joy, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, make memories, and spoil them. Whether sharing Saturday breakfast with Leo or finding another reason to be near them, Ricardo made sure they knew how deeply he loved them.

He also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including time with family, swimming, and trips to the casino. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.

His faith remained at the center of his life. He loved God and expressed that love through the way he treated others. If someone needed encouragement, guidance, a place to belong, or simply someone who cared, Ricardo was there.

Ricardo is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Donna Lagos; his children, Ashley Martinez, Xavier Lagos, and Adrian Lagos; his bonus daughter, Courtney Rodriguez; his grandchildren, Leonidas, Giovanni, Lorelai, and Andie; his parents, Manuel and Lucy Lagos; and his siblings, Christian Lagos, Jonathan Lagos, and Carolina Lagos. He also leaves behind extended family members and dear friends who were family in every way that mattered.

Ricardo leaves behind a legacy reflected in the wife who was his partner and anchor, the children for whom he never stopped showing up, the grandchildren he adored, and the many friends he welcomed as family. His life made the people around him better simply because he was part of it.

He will be remembered for his faith, generosity, devotion, and the family he built both by blood and by choice.

He will be loved and missed beyond words.