Richard Herrera

Richard Herrera of Espanola (82) was called home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on December 23, 2021.  He was born near Trinidad, Colorado to Daniel Herrera and Eva Maldonado.  He was a longtime resident of Espanola, NM. He joins the love of his life Angela (Nanny) Valdez in heaven along with his parents Daniel Herrera and Eva Maldonado, brother Paul, sisters Estella, Sarah, Jenny, and Frances; nephew, Chris Herrera; brother-in-law Steve; and his very special friend and son-in-law Art V. Martinez, Sr.

Richard is survived by his loving girlfriend Irene Griego also of Espanola; his siblings, Dee Goad, Rosie Abeyta (Roger), Danny Herrera (Almira), and Louie Herrera (Mary); his children, Penny Trujillo (Adolf), Tony Herrera, and Kimberly Olguin; his caregiver and loving stepdaughter Karen (Bennie), and Beatrice; his grandchildren who loved him dearly and who were also his caregivers, Michele Martinez (Rick), Art Martinez Jr. (Mona), and Carlos Abeyta; his great grandchildren whom he loved and helped care for, Jerome Jr., Michaelangelo, Juliana, Alexis, Ashleigh, Jesse, Marcus, Jaylin, Ariah and Tylee; and many other grandchildren and great-grandchildren; special nephews, Paul Herrera Jr., Jimmie Martinez, Joe Jaramillo, Michael Bustos, Jeff Romero, and Carlos Bustos; special nieces, Audra Abeyta and Sophia Twiss; special friends, Ben Borrego, Johnny Barela, Arlene Padilla, and Johnny Vigil; and many other relatives and friends who loved and adored him.

Richard was a Master Craftsman in Cabinetry.  While employed at AVM Cabinets made gorgeous custom cabinets for numerous homes in Santa Fe and surrounding area.  He also made beautiful tables, bookshelves, China hutches, pantries, doors, and medicine cabinets.

Papa Rich was always a very hard-working, busy man and still managed to always have a thriving vegetable garden and a manicured yard.  In his earlier days, he was an avid fisherman, big game hunter, and quite the billiards player. Those were some of his favorite pastimes.

He was loving, friendly and kind with a radiant personality, a positive attitude, a dynamite sense of humor, loving eyes, a beautiful smile, and he enjoyed laughing and joking.  He never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed help.

He was always happy and he was loved and adored by so many. He was AMAZING!

Papa, you rest in the arms of Jesus in Heaven with Nanny, your family, and loved ones who are there with you.  We Love You Papa Rich.  Papa Smurf.

We miss you so much.  God Bless You Always.  Amen.

Services:  Friday, January 21, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Espanola, NM Holy Rosary:  1:00 pm Funeral Mass:  1:30 pm

Note:  The Church services will be available on YouTube:

search à  Santacruz Parish Espanola

Interment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery following Mass

The Family of Richard Herrera has Entrusted the Care of their loved one to Devargas Funeral home of the Espanola Valley 747-7477 www.devargasfuneralhome.com