Richard Marquez

Richard Marquez, a resident of Velarde, went to be with our lord on February 19, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He passed at his home surrounded by family.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving mother Luz Silva Marquez, sisters Mary (Nena) Marquez and Suzie Hinojosa, a very special grandson, Jose Lino Atencio III, nephews Michael J. Lopez and Robert A. Lopez.

Richard was born on June 11, 1951, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, his family moved to Los Angeles, California when he was 8 months old, later they moved to San Fernando where he spent most of his life. He came back to New Mexico in 1978 and made it his home. Richard had many jobs, salesperson, upholsterer, maintenance man, store manager, City of Espanola Police Lieutenant, but his passion was Outreach Coordinator for the Municipal Court of the City of Espanola, where he was able to help so many people in need.  Another one of his passions was beautifying the city of Espanola where he worked closely with the Espanola Garden Club. After his retirement he took up baking to the delight of many friends.

He loved all his grandchildren, Norman, Dominique, Robert, Dominique-Nikki who helped care for him during his illness, Courtney, Misty, Samantha, Mikey, Gabriel, Amberly, Jayden, Jasmine, Jocelyn, Kayla, and Shannon who resided with him, step-grandchildren Jade, Estrella, Valerie, Demetrios. Great grandchildren, Matthias the little professor, Ezariah the little tool man who had his heart and always made him smile, Amanda, his cartoon watching buddy, Tristen his peanut, Kiara the lil Princess, Elijah his artist, Noah his binky and Antonio his huerito.  He always made time for them, encouraging them to pursue their talents and happiness. He made them each feel special and loved. They will miss him dearly.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, JoAnn, Father Jesus Marquez, children, Richard Marquez (Vanessa), Esperanza Martinez (Leo), Melanie Marquez, (JR,) Jose Atencio (Ashley), Michael Marquez (Alma), Jessica Marquez, Jeremy Atencio. Brothers, Tony (Candy), Jimmy (Anita), who reside in California, Patrick (Priscilla), Quincy (Liz), Armando (Diedra-Deedee), Sister Melanie Avila (Vince) who resides in Detroit, Michigan. A special sister-in-law, Frances Hoover - Pink Panther, Godsons, Steven Marquez and Cory Hoover and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A public visitation will take place on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at DeVargas Funeral Home from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.  Funeral mass will on March 4, 2022, at the Parish of San Juan Bautista & Tewa Missions in Ohlay Owingeh at 10:30 AM with interment to follow at the Velarde Cemetery.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are, Armando Rodriguez, Diahann Jacquez, Marcos Armijo, Lou Baker, Dean Sandoval, Jeff Martinez, Julian Cordova, all his community service workers, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

The family of Richard Marquez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477