Enrique Ernesto Lugo

Enrique “Rick” Ernesto Lugo, of San Benito, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at the age of 67, surrounded by his cherished family and loved ones at his home in Kyle, Texas.

Rick was born in 1957 to Manuel and Aida Lugo in San Benito, Texas. He attended Fred Booth Elementary and graduated from San Benito High School in 1976 before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from The University of Texas-Pan American in 1979. A dedicated educator for 31 years, he had a God-given gift for connecting with his students. His passion for teaching helped develop strengths in troubled youth, migrant students, and ESL learners.

Rick was also a man of great faith. As a devout lifelong Catholic and ACTS alumnus, he drew strength and everlasting peace from God and prayer.

He was widely celebrated as a renowned guitarist and musician throughout each community he resided in. Rick was an immensely talented musician, known for his melodic harmonies, brilliant songwriting, and distinctive Latin-groove-style blues guitar playing, among his other musical expertise.

Rick had a passionate love for life and was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, longboard surfer, runner, and an all-around athlete. However, nothing brought him more joy and fulfillment than spending time with his beloved family and friends.

Rick’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Stephanie Bullock Lugo; daughter, Lailani Isla Lugo; his former spouse, Diana Abrego, and their children: Lori Ann Lugo (Ernie) Guillen, Ricardo “Rick” Enrique Lugo, and grandson Ryan Nathaniel Lugo.

He is also survived by his beloved mother, Aida Noemi Lugo; siblings, Linda San Juanita Lugo, Juan Manuel (Debbie) Lugo, and Laura Lorraine Lugo (Michael) Cardona; along with his cherished nephews and nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Manuel Lugo and his brother, Mario Lugo.

The Lugo family will receive friends and relatives at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 W Business 77, San Benito, TX 78586, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m.

The funeral rite will be concluded during a Mass on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1300 Combes Street, San Benito.