Richard "Pepe" Paul Colomes

Richard Paul “Pepe” Colomes, age 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Born on September 7, 1933, in New Orleans to Paul B. Colomes and Annalea A. Colomes, Pepe grew up Uptown and attended St. Rita School before moving with his family to Gentilly. He went on to graduate from Jesuit High School, where he first received the nickname “Pepe” from an eighth-grade teacher—a name that stayed with him for life. In fact, it’s hard to imagine anyone calling him Richard—he was Pepe to everyone, and there was never another quite like him.

Pepe attended Tulane University, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Geology. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves from 1956 to 1962, receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal, and holding Top Secret Intelligence clearance in his field. Following his military service, he began a distinguished career in the oil and gas industry. He spent several years with a Houston-based production company before returning to New Orleans, where he founded Richard P. Colomes Consulting Geologist and worked for more than 50 years.

Pepe was an active member of many civic and social organizations, including The Essex Club, Petroleum Club, Metairie Country Club, New Orleans Country Club, Rex, and The Recess Club. An accomplished golfer, he won club championships at both Metairie and New Orleans Country Clubs, traveled widely with friends, and qualified to play in the 1986 U.S. Senior Open.

While he achieved much professionally and athletically, Pepe will be remembered most for the friendships he cultivated. He had a gift for making people feel known and valued, and he cherished those relationships deeply. His contagious smile and playful spirit could light up a room, and his affectionate embrace was as memorable as it was genuine. Pepe had a way of making every conversation about the person in front of him—always more interested in their happiness and stories than his own—and that generosity of spirit left a lasting imprint on all who knew him.

Pepe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Dolores “Dolo” Colomes; his son, Craig G. Colomes; and his sister, Carolyn Lacoste. His son, Kenneth P. Colomes, survives him, and his grandchildren, Zachary B. Colomes, Avery Scout Colomes, and Tenzin V. Colomes.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 12:00 p.m., on Friday, September 26, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 444 Metairie Road, Metairie, LA 70005. Interment will be private.