Ricardo Jose Chen

Ricardo Chen, Sr., 67, transitioned from labor to reward peacefully on Monday, July 24, 2023, surrounded by his wife, sons, and family at home. Ricardo left this world after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, cherished memories, and, most of all, his passion for Kung Fu. Ricardo was a quiet unwavering soul that loved his family and friends and made sure they were happy. He had a remarkable gift of making you feel valued without saying a lot of words.

Ricardo was born on Wednesday, September 21, 1955, in Washington, D.C. to the late King-Pao Chen and Nicolasa (Guadalupe) Chen. He grew up in Washington, D.C., and attended Gonzaga College High School where he received his diploma. He joined the Metropolitan Police Department Police Cadet Corp immediately following high school. Later he rose through the ranks of the Metropolitan Police Department as an officer to the rank of lieutenant. Ricardo was loved and admired by the communities he served throughout his career in law enforcement.

During his law enforcement career, he met and married the love of his life, Deloris Chen who was also serving in law enforcement at the time.

After a successful career in law enforcement, he became a contractor for the U.S. Marshals Service where he served for twenty-two years until his retirement on July 5, 2023.

Ricardo leaves to cherish his memories his devoted and loving wife, Deloris Chen, two dedicated sons, Ricardo Donfor-Chen, Jr. (Silver Spring, MD); Nicholas Chen (Washington, DC), a loving sister, Luz Maria P. Bhanji (New Jersey), a kind-spirited uncle, Carlos Palacios (Virginia), a caring aunt, Josefina Palacios Maceo, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Ricardo was preceded in death by his mother, Guadalupe Chen, and father, King-Pao Chen. Ricardo will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A good guy gone early.