Richard “Dickie” Baldonado

Richard “Dickie” Baldonado

1959-2023

Richard “Dickie” Baldonado, age 63, a resident of Belen, passed away on April 27, 2023.

A visitation will be held at 5 p.m., Monday, May 22, at Romero Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a Rosary at 6 p.m. A final visitation will take place at 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 23, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, Belen Moose Lodge and Secundino Baldonado American Legion Post 81.

Richard is survived by his significant other, Debbie Siow; sons, Jacob and Brian Baldonado (Sara Velasquez-Baldonado); daughters, Jessica and Brandy Baldonado (Irvin Chacon); sisters, Elizabeth Ortega (Eddie), Kathy Carrillo and Mary Ann Baldonado; grandsons, Jacob, Jayce and Jesse Baldonado; granddaughters, Maya and Ariana Trujillo; great-granddaughters, Mattison and Samantha Baldonado; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and new and lifelong friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Laura Baldonado; and sister, Joann Trujillo.

Richard was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He lived a life of service that started from an early age working at Gil’s Bakery. Richard loved working in the food industry and owned his own restaurants and catering businesses off and on throughout his life.

He worked as a corrections officer for several years in the ’80s in Los Lunas. Richard worked construction off and on his entire life as well. In 1994, he started his career with the city of Belen and began working as the parks and recreation supervisor and the community services director, where he was able to make a positive impact on his hometown.

Richard loved helping members of the community and making a difference in the lives of others. Upon his retirement in 2006, he continued being of service to the community and helping others. Richard could often be seen catering at weddings, funerals and birthday parties. He volunteered for all of his grandchildren’s fundraisers, school projects and field trips and became an honorary uncle or “Papo” to everyone.

One of Richard’s greatest joys was sitting on the sidelines of their games telling people that his grandkids were playing, and he rarely missed a game, traveling great distances to watch them. If he wasn’t watching his grandkids, nieces or nephews play, he could be seen cheering for his beloved Dodgers, Lakers and Cowboys.

Richard could also be seen campaigning for issues and people he strongly believed in or greeting people wherever he went with a hug, smile and a friendly handshake. He had a way of making people laugh, come out of their shells and have the best time.

No one was a stranger or felt left out when in Richard’s presence. He left a legacy for his family and all who had the privilege of meeting him to know what kindness, compassion, giving, humbleness, acceptance, selflessness, service and fun really looked like.

Richard was an unforgettable person who touched the lives of everyone he met, whether it was for a moment, or a lifetime, and he will be forever missed.

Pallbearers will be John and Juan Carrillo, Andrew and Aidan Rodriguez, Brandon Siow, Irvin Chacon and Robert Trujillo.

Please sign Richard’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.