Richard Herman Ruffini

Obituary For Richard Herman Ruffini

Richard Herman Ruffini, passed away peacefully at the New Mexico State Veteran’s Home in Truth or Consequences, NM on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the age of 89. Richard was born on February 1, 1935, in Walsenburg, Colorado to Herman and Blanche Ruffini. He spent his first five years living in Italy with his parents, returning to Walsenburg until the eighth grade, at which time he went to the Holy Cross Abbey Prep School for boys in Canyon City, Colorado. He stayed there until graduating high school. Richard excelled at sports and upon graduating high school, he received a scholarship to play football at Pasadena City College in California. The second year he played, they were ranked the number 1 football team in the nation within their division. He then went on to Los Angeles State College and obtained a business degree. Richard the spent two years in the United States Army, where he traveled throughout Europe extensively, playing the trumpet in the Army band. After his tour with the Army, he married Gloria Pierotti, and they moved to Glendale, California and raised their 2 children until 1970. During this time frame, he worked at the Bank of California, as well as Bank of America. The family then moved to Farmington, New Mexico for a short period of time and then to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where he took a position as Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Hot Springs National Bank. In the early 1980’s, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, at which time he remarried, Naomi Little. He went on to live in Walsenburg, Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mesa, Arizona, Anthem, Arizona and the came back to Truth or Consequences in 2012, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Throughout his life, he was involved in numerous businesses in New Mexico and Colorado, including, Rocky’s Bar and Lounge, Rio Grande Motel, Sierra Grande Lodge, Rio Grande Restaurant, R & S Stables (racehorses), Vista Del Verde Land Development, Loan Mortgage business, Coney Island Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop, and multiple other businesses, farms and ranches.

He was also the President of the Sierra County Sheriff Posse, Chairman of the Ralph Edwards Fiesta, member of the Saint Ann’s Hospital Board, member of the Knights of Columbus, the Kiwanis Club and multiple civic organizations his entire life. He was very proud to serve on these Boards and Committees and perform his civic duties.

Richard loved his family and friends. He enjoyed his life to the fullest, he traveled most of the United States, Canada, Mexico and the majority of Europe. His passions were cooking, photography, music, sports, good food, and he had a fondness for a good glass of wine.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Blanche Ruffini; his brother, Joseph Ruffini; sisters: Elvira Ruffini, Perina Michelli and Lena Pierotti; and his nephew, Tommy Michelli.

Richard is survived by his two children- Raymond Ruffini (Pam) of Elephant Butte, NM, and Dena Gutierrez (Danny) of Los Lunas, NM, and their loving mother, Gloria Ruffini of Truth or Consequences, NM; 2 step-children- Nathan Little (Christy) of Florence, AZ and April Blea (Ricky) of Albuquerque, NM; 4 grandchildren- Brittany Donaghe (Mark) and Kristen Sanchez (Joshua) both of Las Cruces, NM, Nicolas Gutierrez (Shalada) of Los Lunas, NM, and Daniel Gutierrez (Amber) of Albuquerque, NM; 3 step grandchildren- Amanda Blea and Richard Blea, both of Albuquerque, NM, and Chase Little of Florence, AZ; 3 great grandchildren- Blaine Donaghe of Las Cruces, NM, Asaph Gutierrez and Asher Gutierrez, both of Los Lunas, NM; Seven step grandchildren- Claire Hopper, Greg Hopper, and Owan Hopper, all of Los Lunas, NM, Ayda Blea, Peter Pegan, Jr., Averie Blea and Xena Blea all of Albuquerque, NM.

Richard had a very special bond with his nieces and nephews, Marilee Lau of San Francisco, CA, Michael Pierotti of Las Vegas, NV, Lewis Pierotti (Ruth) of Delaware, OH, David Pierotti of Flagstaff, AZ, Peter Pierotti (Dinah) of Albuquerque, NM, and Charlene Radach (Mike) of El Paso, TX.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (515 N Date St, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901) beginning with a Rosary at 10:30 AM followed by Memorial Mass, celebrated by Rev. Michael Williams. If you prefer, in Lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Richard’s name to the New Mexico State Veteran’s Home in Truth or Consequences, NM.