Richard Padilla Marrufo

Richard P. Marrufo, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Richard was 78 years old.

Born February 12, 1947 in Santa Rita, NM, He attended Cobre High School and loved playing all the sports. He was an awesome athlete. Some of his hobbies were fishing, dancing, hunting, and most of all, riding his Harley-Davidson bike. There were two biggest passions he had. His family and his new way of life where he completed his sobriety to his last breath. Richard would say, “24 hours. That’s all you got. Be the best you can be. Help people. Give it away. Be patient.”

Richard was a proud resident of Grant County, NM. He was also a very proud Vietnam vet. He was well-known anywhere he went. He was always walking at Wal-Mart and talking to everyone. Richard lived with no regrets. If you ever met him, he left a special place in your heart. Always making a friend no matter where he went, Richard leaves many memories and he is a legend to many.

He leaves behind three daughters, Melissa Marrufo, Angelina Marrufo (Joseph Chavez), Kaitlyn Massengill; one son, Rey Trazcoma; seven grandchildren, Michael Cuhen (Serina), Alize Salazar (Chemmi), Gabriel Faustino, Joseph Chavez Jr, Luiz Chavez, Aurora, Daphne; three great-grandchildren, Quetzal Cuhen, Zaniya Cuhen, and Catalina Salazar; one brother, Rudy Marrufo (Mary).

He was preceded in death by his mother, Josefina and father, Reynaldo Marrufo; two sisters, Sylvia Lopez and Christine Marrufo. God Bless you, Brother.

Richard’s loved ones will gather at Baca’s Funeral Chapel in Silver City at twelve-fifteen in the afternoon on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 to follow Richard’s Harley on his last ride. A graveside memorial service with full military honors will be held at one ‘clock at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. Following the conclusion of the memorial service, Richard’s family and friends will gather at the family home, #90 North Hurley Rd., to celebrate his life.

Honorary Pallbearers are Michael Cuhen, Luiz Chavez, Joseph Chavez Sr, Joseph Chavez Jr, and Gabriel Faustino.

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