Gustavo Vaca Rico's Obituary
Gustavo Vaca Rico, 96 ESCONDIDO – Gustavo ‘Gus’ Vaca Rico died peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Magnolia Post Acute Care in El Cajon, Calif. He was born in Los Angeles, California on January 6, 1928 to Maria Vaca and Luis Zaragosa Rico. Luis Rico never heard Gus’ voice because at the age of 18, Luis became totally deaf, caused from illness and ear infections from having to look after the farm animals in inclement weather. Gus communicated to his father by way of lip reading and hand signals. In 1946, dad graduated from Theo Roosevelt High School. In his senior year he was class president. Throughout high school he ran the 660 on the Track and Field team and was also a member of the Boy’s Club.
Dad followed high school by attending UCLA and was in the Navy ROTC. He received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and graduated from UCLA in 1950. He ran intermural track while there and his favorite race was the 440. After graduating from UCLA, Gus joined the Navy. He went in as an Ensign and after serving for 3 years he received an honorable discharge as a Lieutenant Commander. He served aboard the USS Boxer for 2 years in communications and was a teletype Radioman. For his 3rd year, he was stationed in Tokyo.
After coming out of the Navy, Gus continued with the navy as a reserve and used the GI Bill to attend Pharmacy School at USC. Several of his UCLA class credits were able to be transferred to USC, which allowed dad to graduate USC Pharmacy school in just 3 years.
It was while Gus was in the Navy Reserves that he met Joan Bartley. Joan was with a group of nurses visiting the San Diego Officer’s Club. Gus had a few dances with Joan one evening and afterwards, he asked her out on a date. After a year of letter-writing they fell in love, got married on April 11, 1959 and began raising a family.
Gus started working as an apprentice pharmacist at the age of 29 at a drug store close to his home in Los Angeles at $6/hour. Luis, my dad’s father, is the one who recommended Pharmacy as a possible career to him. Gus observed Pharmacists whenever he would go to the store with his parents. The only negative to the job in Gus eyes was having to work on the Lord’s Day – Sunday.
Mom and dad moved to San Diego right after Catherine was born. Their main reason for the move was to get away from the terrible LA smog. Dad loved the ocean, so an important criterion in buying a home for his family was that it be less than 25 miles from the Pacific Ocean. In 1966, mom and dad moved to Escondido from San Diego. They were seeking warmer weather, which this inland city provided, Escondido was also more family-oriented town which was important to them.
One of mom and dad’s favorite vacation spots was Yosemite National Park. Dad learned about this beautiful place from his brother Gil. Mom and dad recorded 17 visits to Yosemite for a one-week family vacations while we were all growing up.
Gus was a member in St. Mary’s Catholic Church while his children were in attendance at St. Mary’s School. After his service at St. Mary’s Church, he became one of the original members of the Church of Saint Timothy in Escondido and sang in the adult choir.
His passion in life was providing for and raising his 4 children and encouraging their music, academic and athletic skills. Gus encouraged his children musically by example. Gus was a fine pianist and after a long day of work, he would come home, have dinner and then sit down in front of his baby grand and play piano until we were all asleep. Subliminally, this had a big effect on his children making music an important part of their lives. This last December, he had the energy and attended several concerts that his children were performing in.
Gus loved and adored his 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Gus’ joy of life and positive spirit never diminished, even in his last moments. As challenging as his physical limitations were, he remained strong in his faith and in his love toward others.
Gus is predeceased by his parents; and all his brothers and sister, Gilardo Rico, Raul Rico and Estella Mendoza; and is survived by his children, Thomas Rico (Brenda) of Escondido, Catherine Barros (John) of Escondido, Annette Rico of Escondido and Michelle Diamantides (Chris) of Peach Tree City, Georgia. A funeral Mass for Gus will be celebrated at 10 a.m., on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Saint Mary’s Church in Escondido, 1170 S Broadway, Escondido, Calif. The family suggests memorial donations to Boy’s Town at: www.BoysTown.org. Sign the Guest Book online:
https://www.alhiser-comer.com/obituaries/Gustavo-Rico/#!/TributeWall
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