Ricardo Chapa

Ricardo R. Chapa, 91 years, passed away on October 5, 2021 at his home surrounded by his wife, Gretchen, of 27 years and his children. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Susie Torres Chapa, his son Richard Chapa, Jr, and brothers Reynaldo and Renato Chapa. He is survived by his wife Gretchen, daughter in law Yolanda Chapa, son, Michael Chapa, daughter and son-in-law Veronica and Daniel Beaudoin, daughter and son-in-law Victoria and Walter Graner, and daughter and partner, Patricia Chapa and Sandy Davis, 9 grandchildren (Richard Chapa III, Robert Chapa, Laura Rohm, Matthew Beaudoin, Stephen Beaudoin, Grace Graner, Jacob Graner, Daniel Graner, Brandon Chapa) and 6 great-grandchildren (Liliana, Bobby, Roman, Alejandra, Benjamin, and Santiago) His four sisters, Rosa Margarita, Blanca Chapa, Ruby Ornik, Rosalinda Torline and sister in law, Sonia Chapa

Ricardo was born and raised in Mission, Texas, and worked much of his life as an administrator with McAllen ISD. Before attending college at Edinburg Regional College/Pan American University (*UTRGV), Ricardo volunteered to serve his country in the U.S. Army for a year, U.S. National Guard for a year, and the United States Marine Corp. for two years where he was wounded in the Korean War in 1951 and earned the Purple Heart Medal among other medals distinguishing his efforts and company. He was released from service due to his injuries as a sergeant.

Ricardo received a BA in 1954 from Pan American University, an MS in 1960 from Texas A & I, and a PhD in Educational Administration in 1975 from Michigan State University. He started his educational career as a 5th grade teacher and a school bus driver with McAllen ISD. Ricardo became principal at Zavala Elementary. Following his principalship, he worked two years as director of Escuela International Sampedrana in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, C.A. Ricardo was offered a fellowship from Michigan State University in 1969 to work on his PhD and where he served as High School Counselor at East Lansing ISD. Returning back to the Rio Grande Valley, Ricardo was offered a position as an evaluator for Region One Service Center in Edinburg, then he was offered a position as Dean of Men at Pan American University for four years. The latter part of his career brought Ricardo back to McAllen ISD as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for 16 years, Superintendent of Schools for McAllen ISD, and interim Superintendent of Schools for PSJA ISD and Sharyland ISD. After retirement, Ricardo served as a school board President and member for McAllen ISD for six years.

Ricardo has always had it in his heart to serve God through his church and community activities including being President of the Serra Club of McAllen and member for 44 years, Commander of the Alhambra Club, Director of the Cursio Movement of Mission/McAllen, Eucharist Minister at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Teacher of CCD, and President and member of the Kiwanis Club for 35 years.

Ricardo enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at many weekend barbecues, watching all kinds of sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys, going on vacation with family at South Padre Island, and driving up to Dripping Springs for summertime gatherings, Easter, and Christmas celebrations. His infectious spirit will be sorely missed, yet his spirit lives on in all our hearts.

Visitation and Rosary will take place on Monday, October 11th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (2209 Kendlewood, McAllen,Tx.)from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. with the Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral mass will take place on the following day, Tuesday, October 12th at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church (1108 W. Hackberry Ave. McAllen, Tx.) at 10:00 a.m. Burial after mass located at the Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, (3601 N. Taylor Rd., Mission, Tx.)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ricardo’s memory to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Capital Campaign or to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church