Alan Rick Lappen

 Alan Rick Lappen, 81, of Rio Rancho, NM, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025. Rick was born on February 1, 1944, in Long Beach, CA, to Willard and Midge Lappen. Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Margarita Orozco-Lappen, whose unwavering love and shared devotion to faith and family brought him immense peace and joy in his final years.

An amazing husband, father, grandfather and even great grandfather, Rick spent his life providing, laughing and smiling with family and friends. Rick is also survived by his siblings: Merrie, Bruce and Mike, his children: Tamera, Todd, Matthew and Sara, along with Monica, Jose, Ana Christina, Eric and Octavio, whom he loved as his own.

Rick served in the United States Air Force from 1962-1966, where he developed a lifelong love for airplanes and further nurtured his passion for music as a talented saxophonist. After the Air Force, Rick became a skilled machinist and car enthusiast that connected him with lifelong friends and allowed his natural precision and curiosity to flourish. Over time, this path evolved into a personal passion for what he called “creative design solutions.”

Rick was a kind man, always ready with a helping hand or a listening ear. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and the family he so dearly loved.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Rio Rancho, NM. This service will honor Rick in the place he called home for many years, surrounded by his community, neighbors and church family.

The family asks that flowers be sent between 8am-10am on May 23rd to: First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho, 3906 19th Ave SERio Rancho, NM 87124. A second memorial service will be held on Friday June 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at San Jose Fire Museum201 N Market Street San Jose CA 95110.

The family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to https://animalhumanenm.org in Rick’s memory.

All who knew and loved Rick are warmly invited to attend either service as we gather to honor his life, share stories, and celebrate the joy he brought into our world.