Richard R. Gabaldon

Richard R. Gabaldon, 71, affectionately known as Grandpa Grouch passed away on May 24th, 2024 in Albuquerque. Richard was native New Mexican who didn’t eat anything without chile unless it was Chinese food. He enjoyed fishing, listening to The Eagles and Rascal Flats, playing with his great-grandson and his dogs Honey and Sandy. He collected M&M figurines, and his prized possession was Lucky, his stuffed Bugs Bunny. 

Richard, born on January 15th, 1953, was the fifth child born to Emma and Luis Gabaldon. Richard or Ricky as his family called him grew up in Duranes. He started shining shoes downtown when he was ten years old and then worked during the summers cleaning the Dukes Stadium. He graduated from Albuquerque High School where he loved playing drums and the guitar. 

Richard married his wife Dorothy of twenty-four years on January 14th, 2000. Dorothy complimented Richard in many ways and brought love and light to his life. They spent these past few years eating New Mexican foods and adventuring around town. 

Richard was a hardworking man who liked to stay busy. He worked for Hydro for ten years making cement blocks until he was hurt on the job. After he healed, he went to work for the New Mexico State Fairgrounds and retired after thirty-seven years. 

Richard is survived by his wife Dorothy Gabaldon, daughter Cory Lee (wife Stacey), son’s Victor Gabaldon, Christopher Gabaldon and Matthew Chavez (wife Clerrissa), grandchildren Nolan Lee, Ocariz Ginger Orozco (fiancé Carlos), and Elija Gabaldon, and great-grandchildren Alexander Ventura-Garcia and Matthew Chavez. Richard is also survived by his five siblings and their spouses: Henry Gabaldon (wife Sadie), Yolanda Vigil (husband Daniel), Patrica Trujillo (husband Samuel) and John Gabaldon (wife Barbara). 

He is preceded in death by his mother Emma Gabaldon, father Luis Gabaldon, son Robert Gabaldon and his daughter Yvette Chavez. 

A memorial service will be held at New Beginning Church on Friday June 21st, at 10am.

Flowers can be sent to New Beginnings Church, 4770 Montgomery Blvd. NE Albuquerque New Mexico 87109 on Thursday June 20th.