Our beloved Richard “Richie” Phillip Gallegos, age 33, passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2021. He was born September 21, 1988, in La Junta, Colorado to Ricky P. Gallegos and Maria Hernandez. Richie resided in Questa, New Mexico, where he has been laid to rest.
Richie is survived by his daughter, Betty Maria “Googs” Gallegos, sons Anastazio “Stazio” Gallegos and Romeo “Pi” Gallegos, father Ricky P. Gallegos, grandmother Mary Ida Gallegos, brother Caesar Laureano, sisters Vanessa “Sis” Gallegos, Brooke Lynne Vigil, the love of his life, Bettylina “Leen” Trujillo, father-in-law Lino Trujillo, mother-in-law Betty Maes, brothers-in-law Martin Maes, Antonio Trujillo, sister-in-law Ayla (Juan) Cisneros, and Lee Vigil. He is survived by several aunts (MaryJo Jaramillo and Margie Hernandez were his favorites), cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Richie is preceded in death by his mother Maria Hernandez, grandfathers Jose Alcario Gallegos (Grandpa Joe), Francisco “Pancho” Hernandez, grandmother Carolina Hernandez, and uncles Humberto “Bear” Hernandez, Francisco “Cisco” Hernandez, Johnny “Bunyon” Gallegos, and Ernie Gallegos.
Richie was a beloved and proud father; his babies were his world and reason for living. He was always doing things with them and taking tons of pictures for memories. Richie was a family man and loyal to everyone he loved. He loved visiting home with his grandmother in Colorado. Richie grew up traveling back and forth from La Junta to his dad’s ranch in Costilla. Both New Mexico and Colorado were home.
Richie was an infectious person who could spark conversations with anyone. He always had a smile on his face. Richie had too many best friends and favorite cousins to count. He was just that loved. His hobbies included collecting Hot Wheels, his cars (his other babies), and draw just about anything. He was very artistic, was a good cook, and was a Broncos fan since he was a little boy.
Richie worked for Rio Grande Motor Sports since they opened in 2016. He started off not knowing what he was doing, but grew into being a manager and helping run the shop. Everyone there was family to him. He was a natural! All the customers loved him! The whole town of Taos knew him. Richie is going to be deeply missed, but his memory will be kept alive.
Rosary was recited on Saturday, November 13 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Questa. Interment was at El Pueblito Cemetery. Pallbearers were Caesar Laureano, Juan Cisneros Sr., Martin Trujillo, Joseph Jaramillo, Dominick Jaramillo, Gabe Hernandez, Steven Vigil, Josh Overson, Randy Rodriguez, and Diego Martinez. Honorary pallbearers were Anastazio Gallegos, Romeo Gallegos, Juan “Boom” Cisneros Jr. and Jeremiah Hernandez. Arrangements were made by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit www.riverafuneralhome.com
