Richard Rubio, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away April 4, 2026 at the age of 76. Richard, who battled metastatic bladder cancer for more than 5 years, surpassed the survival expectations of all the doctors who cared for him.
As one who loved life, family and friends, he was resilient and always looked forward to the next day. Survived by his faithful wife of 51 years, Yolanda, and sons: Richard (Rocio), Sam (Dolli) and Marc (Denise), grandchildren: Romina, Lito and Corina and brothers: Carlos (Letty) and George (Kathy), Richard will be remembered as a devout Catholic, a loving husband and a dedicated family man. The Rubio family is comforted that his passing occurred during the most holy weekend of the Catholic calendar.
An El Paso native, Richard graduated from Austin high school in 1968. Prior to college, he served in the United States Navy where he was deployed as an aircraft carrier radioman during the Vietnam war. Richard attend UTEP and graduated in 1976 with a degree in Biology. Richard stayed in El Paso throughout his life and held employment positions as a firefighter with the El Paso Fire Department and laboratory technician with the Chevron refinery.
Always a committed father, he undertook a small side business for 4 years in the amusement ride industry to fund higher education for his 3 sons. After retirement, Richard enjoyed the RV life as he ventured with his wife across the country on many memorable excursions.
In his early years, Richard was an avid softball player. Known to be a power hitter, he once hit 4 homeruns in one game! Later in life, Richard enjoyed crossword puzzles, fishing trips with his buddy Al, poker Fridays with church friends, and intense scrabble competitions when his sons visited from out of town. A true foodie, Richard welcomed new dining experiences yet always appeared to enjoy the company more than what was on the plate in front of him. Among Richard’s favorite pastimes, however, were family gatherings where he loved to interact and laugh with those closest to him.
Visitation for Richard will be Monday, April 20, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm with a vigil service at 7:00 pm at St Raphael Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar Rd, El Paso, Texas 79925. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 11:15 am at St Raphael Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar Rd, El Paso, Texas, 79936. Rite of Committal will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, Texas 79906.
Serving as pallbearers will be Alex Chacon, Hector Clemente, Al Nevarez, Rich Rubio, Sam Rubio, and Marc Rubio.
Richard’s life and legacy will be honored by all who knew him, and his memory will remain a guiding presence in the hearts of his family and friends.
