Federico “Rico” Syquia Mercader, of Mckinney, Texas, passed away on July 8,2026, at the age of 61.
Rico was born on May 27, 1965, in Manila, Philippines, to his loving parents, Consuelo (nee Syquia) and Salvador Garcia Mercader. He was raised in the Philippines, where he attended Colégio de San Agustin in Makati, St. Catherine in Cebu, San Beda College Manila, De La Salle University in Manila, and at the University of Houston.
Rico dedicated 30 years of his career to Walgreens, where he concluded his tenure as a respected store manager at the Alma and Legacy Plano location. He was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and commitment to those he worked alongside.
Above all else, Federico was a deeply loving husband and father. He first met his beloved wife, Pilar Ortiz, at a family gathering in 2013. By 2014, they began building a beautiful life together, which was officially sealed in a joyous marriage in 2023.
Rico was a chess aficionado since a little boy that sharpened his analytical mind, love of sports and cherished spending time with his family cheering on his favorite Houston teams—the Astros, Texans, Rockets, and Cougars. He appreciated the competitive spirit of the game and the joy it brought to those around him.
A man of many interests, a brilliant man who was a voracious reader, an avid crossword and Scrabble enthusiast, always eager for a good challenge. He also had a passion for collecting firearms, was a member of the Dallas Arms Collector Association and the National Rifle Association.
Rico was a foodie, known for his sweet tooth, and believed butter should always be enjoyed as it was.
Most importantly, Rico was a devout Catholic throughout his life, holding steadfast to his faith and values.
He is survived by his wife, Pilar Gil Ortiz of McKinney, Texas; sons, Federico Rama Mercader of Houston, Texas, Fernando Rama Mercader (wife Shonnie) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Justin Ortiz Lo (wife Lexie) of Anna, Texas; daughter, Consuelo Rama Mercader of Seattle, Washington; granddaughters, Maya Mercader, and Olive Mercader; and grandson Maddox Mercader all of Virginia Beach, Virginia; brothers, Martin Syquia Mercader of Houston, Texas, Sebastian Syquia Mercader (wife Maybelle) of Houston, Texas, and Roque Victor Syquia Mercader (wife Grace) of Seattle, Washington; sisters, Regina Villegas Singh (husband Gopal) of California, and Maria Lourdes Mercader Molina (husband Raymund) of Chicago, Illinois; and a host of loving family and friends.
Rico was preceded in death by his parents, Consuelo S. Mercader and Salvador G. Mercader and his brother, Emmanuel “Noel” Syquia Villegas.
We will always remember Federico for his generous spirit, his quick wit, and the immense love and unwavering devotion he held for his family. His light brought joy to so many, the joy he found in his passions and his memory will continue to profoundly inspire those who were lucky enough to call him a friend or loved one.
A funeral service will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/federico-syquia-mercader. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.