Richard Montoya

Walter (Richard) Montoya (67) of Santa Fe, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Richard was born to Walter and Erlinda Montoya in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was the oldest and tallest of five children. He is survived by his beloved Mother Erlinda Montoya, dear siblings Dianne Montoya-Brown, Mark Montoya (Dianne), and Paul Montoya, cherished companion Christine Savilla, adored grandchildren Jarred Chavez, Savaughna Chavez, Shaylene Porter, and Elijah Montoya, treasured children Angelique Montoya-Chavez (Salvador Jr.), Richard (Ricky) W. Montoya (Suzette), extended family members that he truly treasured and irreplaceable friends he met along the way. He is proceeded in death by his father Walter Montoya, brother David Montoya, paternal grandparents, Geronimo and Lucia Montoya of Bernalillo. Maternal grandparents, Tiofilo and Magdalena Montoya, of Albuquerque.

Richard Montoya attended Bernalillo High School and graduated from Valley High School in 1973. Richard owned and operated Montoya’s Maintenance Co. for over forty years. He proudly served each and every one of his clients and established a great reputation for his hard work and honesty. As a child he not only excelled academically he was an accomplished athlete. His passion for sports became evident throughout his life, he coached all over northern New Mexico including Santa Fe High School, Pojoaque High School and Mesa Vista High School. His dedication to coaching brought him several awards and honorable mentions in various media outlets including the New Mexican and Albuquerque Journal.

Richard had many hobbies including his love for sports. He attended every single one of his grandson Elijah’s games throughout the years. He also was there to cheer on his grandchildren Jarred and Savaughna at Special Olympic events. He had a true passion for music and was a DJ for many years. He enjoyed attending concerts with his daughter Angelique and they would spend hours on the phone listening to vinyl records and playing name that tune. He also had a green thumb and would spend countless hours in the garden. He could grow anything and had a particular love of flowers. Christine and Richard would travel and have wonderful memories together. He had a special relationship with his sister Dianne and brother Mark, but his mother truly held a special place in his heart, and he would make it a point to call and visit often. Richard was a wonderful father. He went above and beyond to let his children know how much he loved them, calling them multiple times a day, showing up unexpectedly, and always having an open door. He enjoyed spending quality time with his (golden) son, they lived together for many years and always enjoyed having lunch with each other, attending games together and loved fishing together. That’s what made Richard so special, He made each relationship unique. He will be remembered for his soft-spoken voice and gentle demeanor. The gentle giant will be forever missed.

Pallbearers: Tim Archibeque, Salvador Chavez, Ernie Chavez, Everett Gonzales, Elijah Montoya, Aaron Montoya. Honorary pallbearer Jarred Chavez. Rosary and memorial will take place, Monday May 29, 2023, 6:00pm at Rivera’s Funeral Home Kiva Auditorium, 417 Rodeo Rd., Santa Fe, NM. A Christian Mass will take place, Tuesday May 30, 2023, 10:00am at St. Anne’ Parish, 511 Alicia St., Santa Fe, NM. We invite you to join us for a luncheon following the mass at the St. Anne’ Parish Hall. Services are being cared for by Rivera’s Funeral Home in Santa Fe, NM.