It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Enrico "Rico" Banson Sr. went home to be with Jesus on July 27, 2023. He was surrounded by his family and relatives. Lovingly known as Rico, he was born on March 2, 1954 in Manila, Philippines, and built a life of greatness, love, and inspiration.

Rico was celebrated for his virtues of being honest, intentional, compassionate, patient, soft-spoken, intelligent, and quick-witted. He was charming, stylish, and debonair, always leaving an unforgettable impression on those he met. His life was a testament to his most

valuable lessons, including leading with love and understanding, being a friend to all, walking by faith, and the importance of authenticity and intentionality.

Rico graduated from Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the Philippines in Business and Marketing. Immediately following his graduation, he was a professional musician and singer heavily influenced by Paul McCartney and the Beatles. In 1980, Rico sang a command performance for Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, among other world leaders. He took immense pride in his work, and he was always on the cutting edge of the age of tech.

Among his greatest accomplishments, Rico was most proud of his family. Along with his wife Jenny and his two children, Jerianne and Enrico Jr., the Bansons immigrated to the United States in 1983. 18 years after the birth of Enrico Jr., Rico and Jenny welcomed their youngest daughter, Jerica, after making their home for years in the United States. His love story with his wife, Jenny Banson, was one of remarkable commitment and "endless love", having been married for 48 years and falling more in love with each other every day.

Rico led a life of prayer alongside his wife, devoted to serving his community and church. He was a man of deep faith and prayer to our Lord Jesus, and was a member of various prayer groups and Catholic organizations. He continued to develop his musicianship in the United States alongside his family, singing and playing the guitar and bass. Rico’s love of technology manifested through his work in the burgeoning Bay Area tech industry, having worked at IBM, QRS, AT&T, and finally settling into his role as an admissions advisor at Academy of Art University. His debonair style and fashion dubbed him as the “Filipino Pierce Brosnan (James Bond)”. Rico was an avid reader, enjoyed every style of music from Rachmaninoff to Harry Styles, and loved going to the movies with family. Rico's legacy will be one of faith, family, and a deep love for arts and education.

Rico is survived by his wife, Jenny Banson, his children, Jerianne Banson, Enrico Banson Jr. and his wife, Maria Banson, Jerica Banson and her partner, Riley Berkebile, his sister, Marissa Banson Atanacio and her husband Floren and their children, and his brother, Arnel Banson. He was loved by all his friends, family and relatives in his communities, especially by the Bordon-Banson-Tolentino (Borsontino) Family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marcello and Soledad Banson.

In lieu of flowers, funds are being raised for Rico's memorial fund. Contributions can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of…

Rico left a lasting legacy. He was a man of the world with vast knowledge of arts and culture of all mediums. He inspired many, most significantly his three wonderful children, to pioneer the cultural zeitgeist, to innovate, and to always be curious for more. Rico's life was a testament to leading a life of integrity, love, and continuous learning. His accomplishments and teachings will continue to reverberate through his family and all the lives he touched. Rico is now peacefully with the Lord, and our lives will be forever changed.

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