Richard Patrick Lovato

Richard “Rick” Patrick Lovato of Bulverde, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, at the age of 59. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Richard and Rosemary Lovato, he grew up enjoying the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and playing sports. He graduated from Los Lunas High School in 1984 and went on to serve in the United States Air Force as an aircraft crew chief on F 4 fighter jets at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. During his service, he also played football for the USAFE team. Rick earned his CCAF degree and FAA A&P License in preparation for his honorable discharge.

Following his military service, Rick worked for several years at Holloman AFB before beginning a 30 year career with UPS Airlines in San Antonio, Texas and volunteered at several rural fire departments as a first responder in Winnebago, IL and in Spring Branch and Bulverde TX.

Rick was preceded in death by his stepmother, Virginia Lovato; paternal grandparents, Jack and Louisa Lovato of Los Lunas, and Helen and Efren Apodaca Sr.; maternal grandparents, Pat and Theresa Sanchez of Belen; and his brother, Roberto Lovato of Los Lunas.

He is survived by his mother, Rosemary Apodaca; stepfather, Efren Apodaca Jr.; father, Richard Lovato of Los Lunas; sister, Michelle Moore (John) of Pinehurst, N.C.; ex wife, Lorise Lovato; and his children, Nicholas (Nick), and Malachi (Max) Lovato. He is also survived by his stepbrother, Ron Silva (Becky) of Los Lunas; stepsister, Deanna Silva of Los Lunas; and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rick cherished time outdoors and especially loved visiting the Lovato family cabin in the mountains near Aragon, New Mexico. He passed away surrounded by his family and those who loved him.

A military cremation ceremony will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209, on Friday, April 3, at 10:15 a.m. for all who wish to attend and pay their respects. Those in attendance are asked to arrive at Committal Shelter 2.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to First Responders Foundation. Donate to the First Responders Foundation - First Responders Foundation