Richard Montano

Richard Montano age 74 passed away on August 31, 2024 at 8:45 AM.

Richard was born on April 4,1950 in Santa Fe, NM to Josie Catanach and Eugene Arthur Montano. His parents had 6 children; Gene, Nick, Theresa, Mary, and Irene; along with a half-brother Gato Trujillo.

Richard grew up in Santa Fe until the age of 16 when he moved to Pasadena, CA to live with his older brothers Gene and Nick. He attended Pasadena High School where he graduated in the class of 1968.

Richard enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Richard completed his basic training in camp Pendleton, CA and was deployed to Okinawa Japan during the Vietnam era in 1969. Richard served honorably from 1968 through 1971. During his enlistment, Richard worked in the machine repair reclaim division where he learned electronics.

Richard married Irene Chavez very shortly after his military term. Richard and Irene married in 1971 and began to build their life in Santa Fe, NM. They had their first child Marie in 1972 and continued to build their family having Richard Jr., Ronnie, and their daughter Monica (Miguel). They also later in life adopted sons, Jose (Dee), Michael (Gabby) and daughter Miquela. Richard and Irene were married for 44 years when Irene passed away in 2015. Richard and Irene served for years in the Cursillo Movement.

In late 2016 Richard started dating Eva Ortega and took her hand in marriage on May 20, 2017. Richard was then blessed to inherit two sons, Nic and Josh Manzanares (Rachel).

Richard and Eva served in the Cursillo Movement where Richard was the Region 10 Coordinator, they also served in the Marriage program, Hermanos Cruzados, Praise and Worship, and Caminos de Fe. They were parishioners at Immaculate Conception, and Our Lady of Sorrows in Las Vegas, NM. Richard has served as a Region 10 Coordinator for the Cursillo.

Richard and Eva ran Tiny Tots daycare in Las Vegas, NM and provided loving care for multiple children until 4 weeks ago. Along with their love for children and family they also share a love with their dog, Lola.

Richard and Eva's blended family consisted of 9 children, 15 grandchildren: Stephanie (Tom), Kimberly (Gabe), Alicia, Daniel, Adrianna, Natasha, Richard III, Derek, Anthony (Amy), Mariah, Jovanna, Ronnie Jr., Robert (Mariah), Brandon, Nicole, and 13 great grandchildren. Richard's biggest achievement was his family and the love he shared and gave to all of them. He enjoyed camping, going to the movies, gambling, Cruising and spending quality time with his family. His family encouraged and supported him through his final days with such an immense amount of love and support.

Richard is survived by so many family members and friends that truly love and adore him. In his final days; they surrounded him with lots of love, and lots of support, they not only supported him but each other as well. Richard's love will absolutely be carried with each one of them throughout their lives. We are all thankful that we brought peace and comfort and came together during his final days. - Richard is survived by his sisters, brothers, sister-in-law's and brother in laws; Mary (John) Nuanez, Gato Trujillo, Nicolas Montano (Linda) sister-in-law's, Edda Glasgow, Jenny Sandoval, Carmen Anaya, Viola Gonzalez, Julian Ortega (Becky) Kathy Griego (Leroy), and Marlene Martinez (Conrad) Nora Babcock.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Gene and Josie Montano, his son Richard Montano Jr., his brother Gene, and sisters Teresa Montano and Irene Rivera.

Pallbearers; Gato Trujillo, Julian Ortega, Anthony Maestas, Jose Montano, Michael Montano and Nic Manzanares.

The Montano’s wish to thank the VA hospital and VA Hospice Staff - Doctor Marty, social worker Liz for the care and love they provided for Richard's final journey. The Montano family would also like to thank Rivera’s Funeral Home. 

Services for Richard will be as followed;

Monday September 16th 2024 

Rivera’s Funeral Home address ; 417 E. Rodeo Road Santa Fe, NM

• Viewing at Rivera’s Funeral Home from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM
• Rosary at Rivera’s Funeral Home at 9:00 AM

Santa Maria de La Paz parish address; 11 college Ave. Santa Fe, NM

• Eulogy at 10:00 AM – Monica Montano and Josh Manzanares
• Mass at 10:30 AM

Burial at the National Cemetery following the Mass.

Celebration of life reception immediately following the burial - located at the Fraternal Order of Eagles - 833 Early St, Santa Fe, NM 87505