Ricardo Duane Burnett

January 13, 1956 – March 30, 2026

Ricardo Duane Burnett, 70, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, in Brentwood, California, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Born on January 13, 1956, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Janet and Floyd Burnett, Ricardo was eight years old when his family moved to San Francisco in 1962, and the city would shape him into the man so many came to love. He grew up playing basketball on its courts and dancing competitively, two passions that revealed early on the energy, rhythm, and joy he carried with him for the rest of his life. He graduated from Washington High School and went on to build a long career in the automotive industry, where his work ethic and easy way with people earned him friendships that lasted decades.

One of the great blessings of Ricardo’s life was marrying his longtime friend, Amelia, whom he loved and cherished deeply. Through every season of life, the good times and the hard ones, they stood faithfully by each other’s side. Together, they shared the simple joys that meant the most to him — cheering on contestants while watching The Voice and Dancing with the Stars, and spending time at family gatherings surrounded by the people they loved.

Ricardo was, above all, a people person. Extroverted, quick to laugh, and never one to pass up a good conversation, he had a gift for making friends wherever he went. He loved sipping an ice-cold Corona with salt and lime, putting on good music, and talking sports — especially when the conversation turned to his beloved San Francisco 49ers, the team that held his heart through every season. But nothing brought him more joy than his family. Picking his grandchildren up from school was one of the simple pleasures he treasured most, and being surrounded by his loved ones was where he was always happiest.

Ricardo is survived by his devoted wife, Amelia; his sons Rico, Rick, Justin, Julian, Gabriel, Rene, and Ty; his daughter, Reyna; and his cherished grandchildren, Drew, Tyler, Camila, Jianna, Sophia, Atlas, Sadé, and Porter, who were the light of his life. He also leaves behind his beloved siblings Eric, Guy, Dawn, Josiah, Angelique, and Cheryl, along with a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

He will be remembered for his laughter, his love of family, and the warmth he brought to every room he entered. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in all who knew him.

Memorial service will be planned for the coming months and will be a smaller intimate service by invitation only.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/ricardo-burnett-modesto-ca/obituary/

Copy