MONTE VISTA — Richard Christopher Samora passed away on March 19, at Monte Vista Estates surrounded by his loving family. He was born at home in Monte Vista, to John C. and Viola E. Samora.
He married Marcella Martinez on June 3, 1966, and to this union was born Bobbie Lavonne and Christopher Augustine. His love and passions were his wife, his son and three granddaughters. His hobbies included fishing, going to the mountain, playing his guitar and singing. He had a beautiful voice and stunning smile; he will be dearly missed.
He went to school in Monte Vista and in Norwalk, California at Excelsior high school where he was in gymnastics and a cadet. He attended college at Colorado University Boulder campus. Richard worked as a field coordinator at the Colorado Rural Housing. He was an advocate for disadvantaged and minority families by helping them find housing. He worked at CRHDC from 1979 to 1983 until they moved the office to Alamosa. He was a leadman at Hogell’s, he worked at Staley’s, the railroad, Monte Vista Lumber and Carnegie public library.
Richard is my survived by his loving wife, Marcella Samora of 53 years; his son, Christopher; three granddaughters: Zonnya Gallegos, Zadella Gallegos and Zaylee Samora, all of Monte Vista; ten siblings: Billy (Mary) Samora of Riverside, CA; Joyce (Mark) Renshaw of Monte Vista; Marlene (Richard) Tafoya of Del Norte; Anna Lee Samora of Monte Vista; Deborah Valentine of Front Royal, VA; Danny (Paula) Samora of Alamosa; Olga Samora of Monte Vista; Lorena (Joe) Coronado of Monte Vista; Duanese (Gilbert) of Taos; and Mary Alice Sanchez of Alamosa.
Richard was preceded in death by his daughter, Bobbie Samora; his parents; grandparents, Elias and Carmelita Samora; three brothers: Duane Samora, Mario Samora and Esteban Estrada.
Due to closures at the Catholic Church, a Private Family Service will be held, and a Memorial Mass in his honor will be announced at a later date. Rogers Family Mortuary of Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences or words of strength for the family, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com