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Sunset Funeral Homes - East - El Paso

750 N. Carolina

El Paso, Texas

RICHARD PITCHER Obituary

Richard "Rick" Thomas Pitcher passed away on February 12, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 1, 1951 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Margaret and James Pitcher. He is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Elixavide-Pitcher, and four children Michael Pitcher (Rosario), Wendy Pitcher Valdez (Sergio), Gloria Elixavide-Pitcher and Morgan Elixavide-Pitcher, four grandchildren and siblings: Jim, Dave, Arlene and Rob. Rick proudly served in the US Army in Korea. He graduated from UTEP. He worked for the El Paso Police Department and Child Protective Services. Rick dedicated his life to helping others whether in the classrooms at St. Pius or the softball fields at Jefferson High School. Rick loved Christmas, fishing, cooking and supporting his daughters in whatever they were involved with. We will miss you in so many ways: your witty sense of humor, your infectious laugh, your endless pots of coffee and cheating in Uno games. You were a shining example of doing for others and not taking credit for it. He died as he lived With grace, courage, Strength, love and laughter Visitation will be Tuesday, February 18, 2014 from 5-9 pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 750 N. Carolina. Rosary at 6:00 PM. Funeral mass will be Wednesday February 19, 2014 at 9:30 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church 1050 N. Clark. Interment will follow at 11:30 am at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by El Paso Times from Feb. 15 to Feb. 22, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD PITCHER

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VIRGINIA LYNCH

February 9, 2024

I worked with Rick at EPPD. He was the kindest, most generous man. He inspired his subordinates with his honesty and work ethic. Miss him.

Vicki and Robert Lynch

February 9, 2023

Rick was such a decent, kind and generous man. he was the best supervisor in the police department. Its so nice to hear that he was such a wonderful husband and father. That was Rick.

Cindi Craft Carpenter

March 21, 2014

Rick was a close childhoood friend of mine growing up in Cedar Rapids, when the Pitchers lived on J St. S.W. And the Crafts on 29 th Ave. S.W. I have so many great memories of my buddy, whether it be riding the Scrambler at the Linn County Fair or playing baseball in the back lot behind our house. Condolences to the family, I am so sorry for your loss, and Arlene, please get in touch with me if you can. Ricky was a great kid, and I am not surprised that he grew up to be a fine man.

Vicki Lynch

March 18, 2014

Sylvia and family, Richard was a genuine good guy. He was a good friend with a big heart. I am so sorry for your loss of a committed loving husband and father. Rick always looked for the good in people. He will always be "Rick Pitcher, the living legend" to me. God Bless you all.

February 24, 2014

Sylvia, it is sad to have learned about Richard's passing. I will always remember how sharp and proud Richard looked when he wore his EPPD uniform. The mid 1970's were a time when we shared classes at UTEP and memorable extra-curicular activities as fellow members of Lambda Epsilon Sigma fraternity. It seems like only yesterday that we shared many hardy laughs. I extend my profound sympathy to you and your loved ones upon Richard's loss. May he rest in peace. Respectfully, Julian Villanueva

Judge Oscar G., Jr. Gabaldon

February 19, 2014

Freed from the ties of space and time, you, my dear friend Rick, are now truly able to fly as the angels. Steve Maraboli once observed that "Sometimes there are stormy moments in life when your friends do more than walk with you; they become angels that carry you and protect you with their wings." Rick, you are now able to look after your loved ones in ways you might not have been able to do so before, for you are now an Angel of the Lord; one destined to bring light to others, inspire kindness and good will among all men and women, encourage in others with the ardent desire to do good for mankind, and inspire them to welcome and seize opportunities to help others to also soar high. Your coming into the world undoubtedly brought great joy to many, beginning with your parents and loved ones who welcomed you with open arms and embraced you. During your journey in life you touched so many lives, many times without even knowing the extent of your reach in seeking and pursuing the betterment of others. Your touching of lives has been far reaching, varied, and profound. You were, and you continue to be, a gentle and radiant soul, an inspiring and amazing person, a truly loving man, and an all around excellent example of humanity at its finest. Thank you, my good friend, for being the person you were, the person you are, and the person you continue to be.

Emma Enriquez

February 19, 2014

There really are no words to console us when we lose someone, especially your hubby & Daddy. What really helps are the beautiful memories engraved in our hearts and knowing they have reached their true Home.. God bless you & your girls, Silvia..Con carino

February 19, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dean, Geneva, Abraham & Seth Van Matre

February 19, 2014

Our deepest condolences. Mr. Pitcher was a wonderful teacher and a very concerned parent. We met the Pitcher Family while at St. Pius, our older children were in the same class and we always visited at school events. He was always concerned for our sons well being. We were saddened to hear of his passing, but each of us had several good stories about what a nice, fair & thoughtful teacher/parent he was. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Charles Harvey

February 19, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with Richard
and his family.

Alejandro Zamora

February 18, 2014

I still remember the first day, in fifth grade, that Mr. Pitcher subbed for our class. He told us about how his classmates used to play tricks on subs by switching names and whatnot, and how I did extra problems on a math assignment "as bonus points with him" because I thought he was such a cool guy.
He subbed many times through the rest of my time at St. Pius, once long term for my 8th grade english. I'm even more thankful for the times I encountered him after elementary school though (usually something to do with an A.C.T.S retreat), because that's when I got to know him for the funny and friendly person that he was.

I wish nothing but the best for your family. It deeply saddens me that I cannot attend his services since I go to school out of town.. I will be praying for you

Monica H.

February 18, 2014

I had the honor of working with Rick & he dedicated so much to helping others. He was a fighter, and through tough guidance made me never settle for less & pushed hard as nails for what was right. Sylvia my sincere condolences he will be truly missed.

Margie Marquez

February 18, 2014

You were truly a great man. You will be greatly missed on earth, but you will definitely be rejoicing in heaven with our Father.

John and Eva Rodriguez

February 18, 2014

My sincerest and deepest condolences, he always had a kind word to say about our kids.

Anna Bela Doporto

February 18, 2014

There are no words to express the loss of Rick. He gave us so much of himself without expecting anything back. He never bragged about the things he did for others. He always had time to listen to other's problems and was so loving and caring about our feelings that he gave us great advice. No one could have asked for a better friend, mentor or hero. He definitely was one in a million. Sylvia, Gloria and Morgan may the Lord give you strength to continue with his legacy. You are in my prayers with much love. Anna Bela Doporto

Martha Herrera

February 17, 2014

Sylvia my prayers are with your family at this difficult time. May God grant you the strenght to withstand this challenge. I remember the old days when we worked at CPS. Those where the good times. May Rick rest in peace.

February 17, 2014

I met Mr. Pitcher when my son was a student at St. Pius. He was one of my son's most inspiring and favorite teachers. Mr. Pitcher touched the lives of many people and he will be missed. My condolances go out to his family through this very difficult time. We will be praying for you.

Miguel A Zamora

Mike Casey

February 16, 2014

Mr. Pitcher,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice- first for our Country when you served with the U.S. Army in Korea and secondly for the citizens of El Paso when you served with EPPD and CPS. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

February 15, 2014

Dear Sylvia and Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Mr. Pitcher was a great man to be around and visit with..always saw the humorous side of life. I am saddened by this loss. He was so generous in the way he was always so available to help at St. Pius.
Bless you all and know of my prayers.
Sr. Mary Ljungdahl

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

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Sunset Funeral Homes - East - El Paso

750 N. Carolina, El Paso, TX 79915

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