Ricardo Belmontes Sr., beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and proud great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on Saturday, July 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ricardo was born on September 1, 1953, to his proud parents, Octavio and Yolanda Belmontes. He was raised in Kingsville, Texas, alongside his brother, Gilbert Belmontes, and his sister, Velma Belmontes Sosa.

Ricardo attended Kingsville ISD schools and graduated from high school a year early. He honorably served in the United States Army before beginning his career at the Naval Air Station, where he worked as an Equal Opportunity Counselor. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Ricardo earned his Associate Degree in Business Administration. He later spent the majority of his professional life with ExxonMobil on the King Ranch.

Throughout his career, Ricardo generously gave back to his community, he devoted his time to the Alice Boys & Girls Club, serving on its Executive Board of Directors. Above all, he was admired for his unwavering work ethic, kind heart, warm smile, and friendly spirit.

Ricardo lived in Alice, Texas, his home, where he created many cherished memories. He took great pride in his tomato garden and was always working on projects to improve his yard. An avid sports fan, Ricardo especially enjoyed golf, basketball, baseball, and football. He faithfully cheered for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and San Antonio Spurs. One of his greatest joys was coaching his son and daughter, creating memories they would treasure forever.

In retirement, Ricardo's greatest happiness came from spending time with his family. He also treasured keeping in touch with his beloved ExxonMobil buddies, sharing stories, laughter, and inside jokes that only they could truly appreciate.

As time moves forward, life reminds us that every season has its purpose. In the later years of Ricardo's life, illness gradually took its toll, yet it never diminished his strength, determination, or will to live. Though stubborn at times, his resilience was matched only by the love he had for his family. Surrounded by those who loved him most, he continued to find purpose and inspiration each day. In God's perfect timing, our Lord looked upon Ricardo, saw that he was weary, and gently called him home to eternal rest.

Ricardo was preceded in death by his parents, Octavio and Yolanda Belmontes.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Belinda Rivera Belmontes; his son, Ricardo Belmontes Jr.; his daughter, Bettina Belmontes Piotrowski and her husband, Jonathan; his sister, Velma Belmontes Sosa and her husband, Hector; his brother, Gilbert Belmontes; his beloved grandchildren, Nicholas Vargas, Johnny Belmontes, Juliana Piotrowski, and Penelope Piotrowski; his treasured great-grandchildren, Jerimiah Vargas and Atlas Jude Vargas; his nieces, Jacqueline Lantau Hammond, Ann-Lynette Sosa Leal, Adele Sosa, and Jeniece Belmontes; and his nephews, Alex Montemayor Jr., Juan Carlo Montemayor, Brandon Lantau, and Derek Belmontes.

Ricardo's legacy of love, hard work, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will forever remain a blessing, and his example will continue to inspire generations to come.

Funeral services

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Location: St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church located at 3513 Cimarron Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78414

Viewing: 10:00am

Holy Rosary: 10:30am

Funeral Mass: 11:00am

Interment: 1:00pm at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery located at 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, TX 78410