Richard Perez Lucero, of Santa Clara, NM passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024.  Richard was born in the old Tyrone township on June 23, 1933 to Augustin and Estephana Lucero.  He attended Western High School and at the age of 17years he enlisted in the US Army, during the Korean Conflict.  When he returned to Silver City, he met Celia Garcia whom he married and raised a family.  They were married 68 years.

Our father was a hardworking, loving father.  He loved camping, fishing, and hunting.  He was a long-time piñon picker in the Burro Mountains.  He enjoyed trying his luck at the Casino in San Carlos.  He was a diesel mechanic by trade for the area mines in Grant County.  He loved to cook and spend time with his family.  He enjoyed nothing better than to have a house full of noisy grandkids.  He was a devout member of the Santa Clara Catholic Church.  He will always be remembered lovingly by all who knew him.  We could never have asked for a better Father and Grandfather.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Celia, his infant son, Richard, his granddaughter, Brandy Lucero and his Godson, Brandon Grogan.  His brothers, Francisco and David Alvarez, Carlos, Jose Maria, Albert, and Anastacia Lucero; his sisters, Amalia Bueno, Aurora Teran, and Patty Diaz. 

He is survived by his children, Patti Grogan and husband Jim of Las Cruces; Susy Sopiwnik and husband Ruben Amador of Bayard; Michael Lucero and wife Anna of Silver City; Richard Lucero and husband Bill of Albuquerque; Audrey Lucero of Santa Clara and Michael Scott Lucero of Santa Clara; as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 5th from 3-4pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary to commence at 4pm.  The funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 6th at 11:30am at Santa Clara Catholic Church with Father Casmir Anozie officiating.  Concluding service and interment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors.  Pallbearers are Austin Lucero, Moy Diaz, Danny Diaz, James Lucero, Gabriel Flores, Andrew Lara, James Overstreet, and Joseph Flores.  Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .