Ricardo Sierra Montes, 80, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, in Plano, Texas surrounded by his family. The seventh of eleven children, he was born on February 19, 1945, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico to Encarnación Sierra and María Luisa Montes. As a child, he had many academic gifts, particularly in mathematics, which garnered him an appearance on a TV show that showcased talented students.

Ricardo was a military veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1990 where he was known for his meticulous attention to detail. He quickly flew through the ranks (just as he skipped two grades while in school), reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. At the time of his retirement, he had worked as a computer programmer for most of his military career. He was deployed to Vietnam twice (once volunteering himself) and was awarded many medals including:

Meritorious Service Medal (1st OLC)

Army Commendation Medal (3D OLC)

Army Achievement Medal

Army Good Conduct Medal (9th AWD)

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Service Medal with 7 Service Stars

NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3)

Army Service Ribbon

Overseas Service Ribbon (6)

Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation

Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60

Overseas Service Bar

Ricardo was heavily active at St. Jude Catholic Church in Sumter, SC where he frequently served as lector, visited prisoners, and helped many others. He enjoyed baking his famous rum cake for family and friends, impressing his grandchildren with yo-yo tricks, and dancing. He was an avid sportsman, especially in softball and racquetball, winning many tournaments. But most of all, he was known for his joking personality, making everyone laugh. He was loved by many. May he rest in eternal peace.

Ricardo is survived by his wife, Arsenia Sierra Montes, daughter Arsenia Sierra & husband Alfred Guy Litton, son Rick Sierra & wife Jennifer Sierra, and grandchildren Valentina Litton- Sierra, Sebastian Sierra, Alexis Betancourt, Danny Betancourt, and sisters Hilde, Marisa, and Georgina Sierra Montes. He was preceded in death by his brothers Rafael, Mario, Luis, Encarnación, Dioni, Alfredo, and sister Mari Sierra Montes.

A funeral Mass will be held March 12, 2026, at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church in Plano, Texas at 10 am. A burial Mass with military honors will be held March 12, 2026, at the Dallas- Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2:15 pm.