Ricardo Tenorio

Ricardo Tenorio, 92, of Albuquerque, NM passed away peacefully on September 19, 2022. He was born in Pinos Wells, NM on February 19, 1930 and was raised in Willard, NM. He was part of a large family was the second of ten children. Ricardo is preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 67 yrs, Nora “Navorcita” Garcia Tenorio; his parents, Manuel and Amalia Tenorio; his siblings Tom, Fita, Nena, Manuel (Junior); brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Ricardo, looked straight ahead, and fixed his eyes on what lies before him –

“Big Bro”.  As a big brother he and his older siblings found themselves taking on many household chores inside and outside of the home including watching over their younger siblings.

“Mr. Tenorio” served in the U.S. Army and completed basic training at QM School Ft. Lee, Virginia. He proudly served in the Korean conflict and completed his tour in the Philippines, Japan and Korea. He was honorably discharged as a RA 18 253 102, Sergeant Regular Army / 465^th Signal Aviation Construction Company. Up until the day he died, he proudly wore the military cap that was given to him as a gift.

After he served his time in the Army, Ricardo met the love of his life, Nora “Navorcita”.   They were married on August 1955 and enjoyed a long blessed marriage of 67 years together. Together they started a family of five children: David (Ramona), Dennis (Cindy), Loretta (Ken), James, and Patrick (Sherrie); and grandchildren: Eugene (Jazmine), Marissa (Mike), Nathan (Angela), Jesse (Ezzy), Victoria (Tommy), Mechelle (Cade), Bryan and Kevin; and great grandchildren: Reannen, Zariah, Jorell, Emily, Yelena, Sienna, Jalysa, Khaleesi, Dylan, Wyatt, Ryder and Olivia who all adored him with all their hearts. He is also survived by his siblings: Mary, Henry, Grace, Catherine, Anthony, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, and many extended family and friends.

While raising a family he went to a Business School and received his diploma in “Junior Business Administration” from Draughon’s Business College, followed by accepting a Federal job for the Federal Service Department of United States at Kirtland Air Force Base. While working he took many training courses at Sheppard AFB, Texas which were conducted by the USAF Technical Training School program.  Ricardo’s final prestigious award was given to him from the Department of the Air Force for 34 yrs of faithful service in work ethics, morals, values, and loyalty to his job and country.

During his life on this earth he enjoyed life and accomplished many of his projects, which put his work ethics to the test.  Some of his many accomplishments were remodeling their home, rebuilding his 1950 Chevy truck engine, helping to build a cabin in Pecos, volunteer at Holy Ghost Parish, built lighted ristras for the “Chili Pepper Emporium”, help neighbors replace air conditioners, help others in electrical wiring, fixed radios, televisions, repaired/serviced automobiles for family and friends, and many more projects that he enjoyed doing.

In his spare time he joined a city club “Race Walking” and won numerous 1st, 2nd, 3rd place ribbons and medals – Way to go DAD.

Ricardo’s final path in life was his loyalty to his Faith, Marriage, Family and Friends.

Faith: He would serve and honor the Lord every day of his life. During Catholic Lenten Season, he would read the Holy Bible (Old and New Testaments). Almost daily, He would go to the Phil Chacon Park and Cesar Chavez Community Center. There he would spend time talking to the homeless. He would even give them money at times.  Dad had a heart of gold.

Marriage: What’s to say but 67 yrs. devotion to his married life, priceless.

Family: He and mom spent many hours taking their children and children’s friends to basketball, baseball, gymnastic practices, games and competitions across NM and surrounding states. We took many family vacation trips to state parks, monuments, lakes and the ocean. We visited family in California, Arizona and Colorado. – A true family man.

Friends: He enjoyed going to the spa to work out (gossip), and going to tournament sport games with other family members in the community. Enjoyed being a score keeper for a man’s softball team. He also loved playing chess and checkers and competing with other players. DAD was quite good.

Love for Human Life: When he could not walk very well anymore he would take off on his electric scooter and conquer the trails. He loved going around the neighborhood talking to people, riding to the park, riding to his bank across a busy intersection, and especially spent many hours with his fellow brothers in the military at the park and VA Hospital. There were retirees from different branches and they enjoyed each other’s company at the NM Veterans’ Memorial, Albuquerque (Louisiana SE).

Ricardo was happy to live long enough to enjoy and excited to talk to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The sparkle in his eyes was priceless.

DAD, Grandpa, Tata we will surely miss you and we love you!  We will always be in debt for your giving us guidance and loving support.  

Service will be held on October 21, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church (927 Arizona Street SE), Albuquerque, NM, starting with a Rosary at 12:30pm and Mass at 1:00pm. Burial will be at a later date. A catered Celebration of Life will be held at the NM Veterans’ Memorial, Albuquerque (1100 Louisiana SE).