Ricardo “Tarzan” V. Dizon ….
Ricardo “Tarzan” V. Dizon 1938-2023
Ricardo “Tarzan” V. Dizon was a captivating blend of love, laughter, and lively passions.
Ricardo V. Dizon, who embraced the moniker “Tarzan the Fearless” in his youth and was lovingly referred to as “Kuya” by his family, took his final, joyous steps on life’s dance floor, leaving behind a legacy as lively as his spirit.
Born on Jan. 23, 1938, in San Antonio, Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, to the late Numeriano and Natividad, Ricardo was the cherished second eldest of nine siblings. His 86-year journey was an exhilarating blend of love, bravery, and a zest for life that touched everyone he met.
Ricardo’s 59-year marriage to his beloved, Irene, was not just a journey together but an epic tale of love, laughter and enduring companionship. Their shared life, intertwined with love and mutual support, laid the foundation of a family legacy that continues to inspire.
Serving proudly as a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran, Ricardo’s dedication extended beyond his country; it was a steadfast commitment to ensuring a brighter future for his family. This mission ,carried out with the honor and determination of a true sailor, set the course for a life filled with opportunities and achievements.
Ricardo’s passions were as diverse as they were engaging. Not only was he an avid wedding photographer with his cousin Adel, capturing life’s most joyous moments, but he also had an insatiable love for cars. His weekends were often spent either under the hood of a Mustang or behind the camera lens, showcasing his multifaceted talents.
His 25-year-plus tenure with Irene at Hughes Aircraft Company was more than just a shared workplace; it was a daily adventure filled with humor, routine, and his iconic coffee and two-glazed doughnut ritual, a delight so regular it became legendary at his local doughnut shop.
In retirement, Ricardo’s vibrant spirit found new expressions in Las Vegas and later in Seal Beach. As an active member of the Doo Wop Club, Dancing Feet Club and Karaoke Club in Leisure World, his love for music and dance continued to shine. His role as an occasional bingo caller added to his charm, as did his signature greeting, “Hey my man,” accompanied by a warm, inviting smile.
He is fondly remembered by his wife, Irene; children, Ricky and wife, Pamela; Connie and husband, Fernando Castro; Kathy Shelton, six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Each of them carries a part of Ricardo’s boundless energy and loving spirit.
He is preceded in death by Kathy Shelton’s late husband, Herb, Gary Moore and his wife Phyllis.
A celebration of Ricardo V. Dizon’s extraordinary life will take place on Jan. 23, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518. Instead of flowers, donations to the Fisher House Foundation are encouraged, in honor of his commitment to fellow servicemen and women.
Ricardo’s life was a canvas filled with kindness, laughter, love, and an enduring passion for his family, photography, cars, and community. His final dance is a perfect encore to a life beautifully lived, forever captured in the hearts of those he touched.
