He was born in Minturn, Colorado to Agnes (Vigil) Luna and Nick Luna. Richard grew up in Salida, Colorado and Canon City, Colorado before moving to Pueblo, Colorado where he attended high school and graduated from Pueblo Catholic High in 1952. After high school, Richard joined the United States Navy and served four years. While on leave in 1955 he met the love of his life Ercilia Duran.
They married September 1, 1956 and were married for 66 years. From their union together Richard and Ercilia had four children; Richard, Russ, Patrick and Kelly.
Richard attended UNC where he earned his bachelor’s degree in teaching in 1960. He then attended Colorado College earning his Master’s degree in 1964. Under the National Defense Education Act he attended the University of Kentucky & the University of West Virginia. He also attended Midwest Beauty College and obtained his cosmotology license.
Richard taught French at Widefield High School for 30 years and was a French professor at UCCS for 15 years. In 1985-1986 Richard taught in Chamonix, France on a Full Bright teacher exchange. After retirement, Richard was a probate genealogist finding lost money and connecting it to their heirs.
Richard also with much success was an author, writer, publisher and researcher.
Richard was a member of the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America and also the Germania club which included being Vice President, Secretary, Newsletter writer and Publisher for over 40 years.
Richard Luna is survived by his loving wife, Ercilia of the home and children, Russ Luna of Denver, Co. and Kelly Jeffers (Rodney) of Denver, Co. His sister Lillian Luna of Mesa, Az. And brother, David Luna (LeAnn) of Denver, Co. and special Uncle Bernie Vigil (Allison) of Pueblo, Colorado and many cousins. Grandchildren, Rodney Jeffers (Nadine) of Arvada, Co., Theresa Luna (David) of Florida, Haley Jeffers Trujillo (Gabriel) of Brighton, Co., and Victor Luna of Denver, Co. Great Grandchildren, Ezekiel Jeffers, Natalya Jeffers, Hendrix Jeffers, Elijah Fiedler, Leila Bedford, Thomas Hernandez, Sofyia Hernandez, Gabriel Trujillo and Jacob Trujillo. Two Nieces; LuAnn Garcia and Nikki Pacheco.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Agnes Luna, baby sister, Joanne of 3 years old, Grandparents, Josephine and Joe Vigil. Sons Patrick Luna, and Richard Luna, Jr. and grandson, Patrick R. Luna.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Dominic Catholic Church on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 11 am. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30-10:30 am. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:30 am. Reception will follow the mass. Graveside Committal services with Military honors conducted by the United States Navy will be held at 2 pm at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.dove-witt.com for the Luna family.
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