Johnny Rico, age 78, answered the final bell and rode into the sunset peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

A true fighter in and out of the ring, Johnny was a formidable boxer and former Arizona welterweight champion known for his quick footwork and powerful right hook. Never one to throw in the towel, he approached life's challenges with the same determination he showed in the squared circle. Outside the ring, he worked as a dedicated sheet metal worker throughout his career.

When Johnny wasn't lacing up his gloves, his true passions were horses and roping, where he lived by the cowboy code of honesty, hard work, and dedication. Johnny spent countless hours in the saddle, sharing his love of the western way of life with his children and grandchildren, teaching them the art of roping and the value of horsemanship with the same patience and discipline that made him a champion in the ring.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Virginia Rico, and his sister, Teresa.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 60 years, Grace Gutierrez Rico; his children, Johnny (Ronda), Roxana (Greg), Veronica, Diego, Sonia (Danny), and Lisa; his siblings, Bobby, Mary, Danny, and Georgina; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and family and friends who will carry on both his fighting spirit and his cowboy legacy.

A viewing will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Parish on March 4, 2025, at 10:00 -10:15 AM, followed by a Rosary at 10:30 AM and Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery, where this champion cowboy will find his final resting place.

Johnny will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Though he has fought the good fight and his trail ride on earth has ended, his spirit gallops on in the hearts of those who loved him. Happy trails, Johnny, until we meet again in the ultimate winner's circle.