Ricardo Gonzalez

Ricardo Flores Gonzalez, “Ricky,” age 65 of Albion, Michigan passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson, Michigan under the loving care of his family. Ricky was born in Albion on March 13, 1959, the son of Manuel and Maria (Flores) Gonzalez.

Ricky lived with Down Syndrome and with his larger-than-life personality made everyone around him a better person teaching patience, compassion, and empathy at a level unmeasured. Everyone was a friend to Ricky, and he spread unconditional love to friends and family. Ricky took joy in a lot of things, but his favorites were music, dancing, Star Trek, Star Wars, WWF / WCW wrestling as he commonly referred to himself as, “Ricky the Dragon Steamboat, and most importantly, sneaking into the kitchen for a snack when no one was looking. Ricky adored his nephews, nieces, and grand nieces and nephews. Ricky communicated with his own language his family coined, “Rickanese,” and encouraged everyone to, “Be Cool.” Ricky had a nickname for every family member bringing endless laughter and joy.

Ricky was proceeded in death by both of his parents, his brother, Manuel Gonzalez, infant brother Francisco Gonzalez, and two brother in laws, Kent Phipps and Phil Hartlein.

Ricky is survived by his siblings, Gloria Hartlein, Alicia (Gale) McCullough, Gracie (Myles) McCullough, Cristina Phipps, sister-in-law Sandy Gonzalez, special sister Karen Yankie, numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and Mass will take place at St. John Catholic Church in Albion on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 11am.

To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com