Jose (Richard) F. Arellanes

Jose (Richard) F. Arellanes, age 74, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 12, 2022.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother Marie Arellanes, father Joe F. Arellanes, and brother Joseph A. Arellanes Sr.

Richard is survived by his wife Dorothy (Alpaugh) Arellanes, Daughter, Aimee Brown and husband Dana, son Michael Arellanes, daughter Hayley Reyes and husband Jose Reyes. Grandchildren Sophia Arellanes, Shawn Arellanes, Gabrielle Reyes, Elijah Arellanes, Alysa Gonzalez, Maeli-Autumn Reyes, and great grandchildren Giovanni and Arabella.

Richard was born on December 4, 1948, in San Ysidro, NM and was a resident of Bernalillo most his life until moving to Rio Rancho, NM after retiring from the State Penitentiary as the Plant Operations Director.

Richard was a Jack of all trades, if something was broken, he could usually fix it or rig it long enough for someone else to fix it; however, his passion was carpentry. Numerous custom furniture pieces, home remodels, sheds, picnic tables, porch swings, etc. will continue to be enjoyed by many thanks to his amazing woodworking talent. Richard was also a self-taught glass blower; his neon signs can still be seen today in many places around Albuquerque. Richard was an excellent cook (thanks to his grandmother Sofie Montoya he would say). His (and her) recipes will continue to be enjoyed at holiday meals and barbecues for a long time to come.

Many will remember Richard for his sense of humor and giving heart. He was the first one to help someone in need and he always had something funny to say be it a joke, stories from his youth, the day’s events, or he’d just make something up to get a laugh.

Richard will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. “You left us far too early before your time, it seems and now you’ll never have the chance to fulfil all those dreams. However hard it is though we’ll take comfort in the thought of all the memories we have and the happiness you brought”. You suffer no more from an unforgiving and cruel illness, but our pain has just begun and life without you will never be the same.

Special thanks are extended to his sister Donna M. Duran and husband Julius, the Veterans Hospital Hospice Care and staff, and Amber Begay, his hospice caregiver.