Richard Allen Spargo

Richard Allen Spargo (Rick) 83, passed away in Albuquerque on August 11, 2017. Rick was born in Illinois on May 3, 1934 to the late Harold and Viola Spargo. He was followed by nine siblings. When Rick was young the family moved to southern Missouri where they remained for 18 years. Rick served in the Army and was stationed at White Sands, New Mexico. He loved New Mexico and decided to stay and soon the rest of the family relocated to Albuquerque. On December 27, 1956 Rick married Jo Anne King in Las Cruces and they remained married until her death on June 23, 2016. Rick and Jo had two daughters; Cheryl and Joni and a grandson, Justin, who they adopted as their son. He is survived by daughter Cheryl De Candia and grandson/son Justin Meyer Spargo. Joni Kaye Spargo, Justin's mother, passed away on June 19, 2003. Rick was a loving husband and devoted family man, and as such put his family first in all of his endeavors. Rick was a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) with New York Life from August 3, 1959 to the present, giving him 58 years with New York Life. He was a well-known and respected member of the life insurance and financial planning community. During this time, he was a Council agent for 38 years including Chairman's Council status and President Council Status. He was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for 30 years and for 26 of those years he was a qualifying MDRT agent. He received a special award for writing 10 per month for 360 consecutive months. Because of his success, he was a sought-out motivational speaker for insurance seminars and gatherings and the audiences enjoyed his wit and charisma. And, as a result of his ability to entertain and inspire a crowd, he visited every state in the USA during his career with New York Life. In addition to his children Cheryl and Justin, Rick is survived by his brothers; David Spargo and Vic Spargo, sisters; Lelia Pugh, Ginger Mitchell, Mary Marquez, and Margie Johnson and their families. Rick was preceded in death by his sisters Rose Lawyer and Pat Smith and his brother Jim Spargo. Rick has many nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and great nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by family and friends for his sense of humor, kindness, and his love of the great outdoors. Whenever Rick was not working, he was fishing, hiking, hunting or bow hunting somewhere in New Mexico. He was a member of Hoffmantown Church and served as a Gideon. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Carefirst of NM, Inc. and hospice for the care and love provided to Rick during the last two years of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to your favorite veteran's support group. Rick requested cremation and it has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Hoffmantown Church, 8888 Harper Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Arrangements entrusted to: Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque 225 San Mateo NE (505) 764-9663