Ned John Dimitry Locario III, beloved brother, adventurer, and unforgettable friend, passed away on February 12, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Born August 23, 1966, in Houston, Texas, Ned lived 58 full-hearted, passionate years that touched lives across generations, continents, and communities.

From his earliest days, Ned was an outdoorsman and an athlete. Whether competing on the field or blazing trails under open skies, his competitive spirit shaped him into a man who charged headfirst into life — often literally. Once, on a dare, young Ned leapt off a slide into a pool at his grandparents’ home and ruptured his spleen. As fate would have it, he had two, a detail he shared often — usually while proudly displaying the 36-inch surgical scar that framed his six-pack. “Just Do It” wasn’t just his motto; it was his mission.

Ned’s life was defined by connection. He had an extraordinary, almost otherworldly, talent for building relationships — with anyone, anywhere. Whether in Houston, Los Angeles, Canon City, Austin, or abroad, his friendships defied borders, age gaps, and cultural divides. Everyone had their own Ned story. And every story was different — because he was different. Unique. Emphatic.

He was a lifelong sports enthusiast, loyal to his hometown heroes like Earl Campbell, Nolan Ryan, and Hakeem Olajuwon. In Los Angeles, he cheered on Kobe and Shaq. He didn’t just watch greatness — he recognized it. And if you were lucky enough to be in his inner circle on game day, you knew the real win was sharing it with him.

Ned had an unwavering love for the Texas Longhorns — a supporter in spirit, a superfan in style. Travel also called to him, and he answered time and again. Of all his journeys, Thailand held a special place in his heart. Not just for the scenery, but for the friendships he deepened there — especially with his friend Tim and his Abbey classmates. To Ned, travel wasn’t about the place. It was always about the people.

Outdoors, Ned was in his element — fishing, hiking, hunting, or just breathing in fresh air. Nature was his church. Competition was his ritual. And connection was his prayer.

Those who knew him best will remember his fierce determination. Life gave him trials — many — but he never gave up. In his final years, he found something many never do: peace, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose.

He leaves behind a legacy not only of unforgettable stories, but of how to truly live. To try. To fall. To get up. To laugh loud and love harder. And to never, ever leave a stone unturned.

Ned is survived by his beloved brother, Dracos Locario, with whom he shared a lifetime of competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable golf duels — including the legendary Locario Invitational, where Dracos reigned supreme by choosing the windiest, coldest days possible. Ned never quite recovered from Dracos’s dominance on the fairway, but he cherished the rivalry all the same.

Above all, Ned would want to be remembered as a good person with a good heart. The kind of friend who made you feel like you mattered — whether it had been ten years or ten minutes since you last spoke. The kind of person you never forgot meeting — and never wanted to say goodbye to.

Celebration of Life Photos- https://photos.app.goo.gl/JCRsxoPcdxPY4QvUA

It's only appropriate that there be a Houston celebration of life event to honor Ned in the upcoming weeks. If you would like to participate in the event, send an email to dlocario123@gmail.com and I'll keep you posted on the details.