Ricardo Guardado

Ricardo Guardado, 46, passed away on July 26, 2023, at his residence in Lake Los Angeles, CA.

Born on April 18 1, 1977, in Usulutan, El Salvador, Ricardo immigrated to the US as a young child where he spent the rest of his life in and around the Los Angeles area. He was raised in the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and although he had not attended services in many years, he was still a fervent believer. He attended, and graduated from, Eagle Rock High School in Eagle Rock, CA. Shortly after graduation he thought about pursuing a career as a paralegal, but it was not meant to be. He was eventually hired at the LAC-USC Hospital where he worked in various capacities for almost 16 years.

The most important thing in Ricardo’s life was his family. On September 28, 2001, Ricardo saw the birth of his first daughter Cynthia Georgina Guardado. 2 years later on November 16, 2003, his second daughter Cindy Destiny Guardado was born. His daughters were everything to him, and he spent many years in and out of the court system fighting for full custody of them, which he finally achieved. In 2008 he met Xiomara Menendez, who would eventually come to be the love of his life. Ricardo would always say he was the luckiest man alive to have met Xiomara, because she made him strive to be a better man. They married on October 17, 2017 and became a blended family with the inclusion of Xiomara’s son Andrew. 

As a blended family they enjoyed many family trips together. One of his favorite places to take the family was the river in Azusa Canyon. They spent countless hours there enjoying the river together and strengthening their family bond. Of these family trips, Ricardo’s favorite was their annual camping trip to the Kern River. He would look forward to this trip throughout the year. Ultimately, the location was not as important as the time he spent with the family he cherished so much.

Ricardo had an infectious personality which drew people to him. He had a way of making people feel that he truly cared. He wore his heart on his sleeve. While most men find it uncomfortable showing their emotions, Ricardo was not afraid to let his friends know how much he loved and cared for them. He would always end his phone calls with “I love you!” He had an indomitable spirit which will live on forever! The world will not be the same without Ricardo in it. 

            Ricardo was predeceased by his mother Inez Rivera and his Grandfather Mario

He is survived by his wife Xiomara Menendez, daughters Cynthia Georgina Guardado and Cindy Destiny Guardado, and grandchildren Julian and Jayden Bernal.

He is also survived by his mother Gloria Amaya Flores, sister Azalia Acosta, and brother Carlos Flores.

           Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, CA.