Ricardo "Weather Man" "Hot Dog" Valdivia

Ricardo “Weatherman” “Hot Dog” Valdivia, 73, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024.

He was born June 22, 1951, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Florencio and Luisa (Rocha) Valdivia. He was a graduate of Topeka High School.

Ricardo was employed by the Hawkins Optical for many years, until retiring.

Mr. Valdivia was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Topeka.

Survivors include his daughter, Laurie (Austin) Valdivia-Price; his son, Mario Valdivia; two grandchildren, D’Mya Valdivia and D’Mario Valdivia; two great-grandchildren; his siblings, John (Nancy) Valdivia, Virginia (Joey) Gonzales, Florencio Valdivia, Jr., Deloris (Ediberto) Gonzalez, Augustine (Kathy) Valdivia and Patricia Farias; his sister-in-law, Isabel Valdivia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his late wife, Mary Ellen (Castardo) Valdivia; his brothers, Rito Valdivia, Sr., Paul Valdivia, Sr. and Christopher Valdivia, Sr; his sister-in-law, Martha Valdivia; his brother-in-law, Angel Farias; and his nephew, Gilbert Valdivia.

Ricardo loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and coaching his children’s and grandchildren’s sports teams. He enjoyed playing men’s fast pitch softball, golfing, playing pool on different leagues, watching boxing with his brothers and playing cards with his family.

A Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Parker-Price & Davidson Funeral Home, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, where the family will receive friends following the Rosary until 8:00p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 23, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 201 NE Chandler, Topeka. Cremation will follow the mass. Interment of his urn will be at a later date at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

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