Richard “Rick” Benton Balzano, 62, was born May 27, 1953 in Raton, New Mexico to William “Bill” Balzano and Mary Jean Balzano. He died on July 3, 2015 at the Lubbock Heart Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.
Rick is survived by his daughter Chelsea Green, grandson Benton William Green, son-in-law Rowdy Green and mother Mary Jean Balzano of Roswell. He is also survived by his three siblings Dale Balzano, Gary Balzano, and Debbie Balzano, and his sisters-in-law Janie Balzano and Gail Balzano. He was an uncle to Toni Balzano, Erin Balzano, Derek Balzano, Nicki Balzano, Kevin Balzano, Brittani Rovedo, Bronwyn Miller, Fred Jaramillo, and Jessica Jaramillo, and was a great uncle to Jerel Balzano, Cloe Clifton, Wren Martin, and America Balzano.
Rick was a lifelong resident of New Mexico. He grew up on his parents’ farm in Maxwell, New Mexico, where he graduated high school in 1971. Rick was active and successful in all high school sports. He was a proud member of 4-H in Maxwell, in which he held numerous offices and received many awards. As a senior, he won the 4-H State Agricultural Award, which earned him a trip to Nationals in Chicago, Illinois.
Rick attended Eastern New Mexico University, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of New Mexico. Rick then went on to live in Raton, New Mexico, and work as a pharmacist before moving to Clayton, New Mexico to open his own pharmacy and raise his daughter. Rick was very active in the Clayton community and school. He also served on the Housing Board and was a volunteer fireman for the area.
In 2002, Rick moved to southeastern New Mexico and worked as a pharmacist before settling down at Seven Rivers, New Mexico, where he lived with his father Bill, affectionately known as “Pops”, who was his best friend. He enjoyed helping out with the family businesses in Carlsbad, New Mexico. While in Carlsbad, Rick became a high school referee for both basketball and football.
Rick was a very loving father, son, brother, grandpa and uncle. He was a generous person and friend, always willing to help out others in any way that he could and never asking for anything in return. His love and devotion to his daughter Chelsea was the driving force in his life. During the last several years, his dedication to Pops will forever be remembered and appreciated by the family. His tenderness and patience, placing Pops needs before his own, was admired by all. Rick leaves a legacy of kindness and caring that will be truly missed.
Rick was preceded in death by his father Bill Balzano.
Visitation will be Friday July 10, 2015 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Saturday July 11, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Maxwell Cemetery in Maxwell, New Mexico.
Arrangements and celebration of love for Rick Balzano are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.
Rick’s love, kindness, tenderness, patience and devotion to Pops, and Chelsea and to family and those in need will be always remembered when thinking of Rick. He left far too soon and far too unexpectedly. We send our love and prayers and thoughts and comfort to all he left behind. Especially, we send love to Mary Jean, Dale and Gary and Debbie and Chelsea and their families as they mourn his passing so soon after losing “Pops.” I think of him being reunited with “Pops” and all the family who passed before him and being in total peace. God bless Rick and each and every one of you.
All our love and prayers,
Elaine and Mike Stephenson