Ricardo Sotelo

In Loving Memory of Ricardo Sotelo

Ricardo Sotelo lived a life rich with love, service, creativity, sense of adventure and most importantly to him, family. He is survived by his children David (Joan); Leticia (Robert); Alex (Cindy); Dan (Ann); and Susanna (Rob); twelve grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as his brother, Reynaldo (Gloria) and cousins Leo (Elo); and Felipe (Mary).

Ricardo was born on July 29, 1935, in El Paso, Texas where he would spend his youth. After graduating from El Paso High School, he was among the first in his family to attend college, earning both a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Towards the end of his time at UTEP, Ricardo met his beloved wife Gloria on a blind date. They married shortly after Ricardo graduated, embarking on 60 wonderful years of marriage. Ricardo then was hired as a civil engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Within a few months, however, he was drafted into active duty with the U.S. Army. After basic training, he was transferred to a reservist position and sent back to his civilian job with the Corps due to a severe shortage of engineers.

Ricardo and Gloria then spent a year in Roswell, where he worked on missile silo construction projects. When those projects finished, the Air Force recruited Ricardo as a civilian engineer. Although he spent the majority of his career at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, he also had the opportunity to live and work in Europe. Most notably, in Spain for three years traveling extensively throughout Europe with their four young children. Later in life, Ricardo continued his work and travel in Germany. Following his stint in Germany, he spent remaining years working back at Kirtland AFB before retiring as a GS 14 as the head of the base's Engineering, Planning, and Construction Department.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ricardo was known for his love of cooking, entertaining, and playing golf. A true handyman, he could fix practically anything. In retirement, he meticulously hand built a collection of model airplanes and boats. His artistic talents were evident in his photography, custom stained glass, and Hispanic tinwork, with his works earning numerous accolades at the New Mexico State Fair over the years.

A devout member of Risen Savior Catholic Church, Ricardo was active in the Knights of Columbus for over seven years. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the ROMEO's (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and was an avid golfer, participating in the various associations and playing at least once or twice a week.

Most of all, though, Ricardo loved food and his family. From countless Uno games with his grandkids to Saturday breakfasts with his sons in Albuquerque, Ricardo was a model husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was never happier than when he held famous family reunion meals in Albuquerque with his five children and their families. Ever the comedian, Ricardo was never without a good joke and lit up every room with his infectious joy for life.

Ricardo's legacy of dedication, artistic creativity, and love of family will be cherished by his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in our hearts.

in lieu of lowers the family asks for you to make a donation in Ricardo's memory to  

Casa Angelica

https://casa-angelica.com/

Christ in the Desert Monastery

https://christdesert.org/