Richard G. Atilano

Richard Atilano, age 98, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, surrounded by his family. 

Richard was born in 1924 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. As a young boy, he attended school in Grand Island, Nebraska but had to leave school to help his family by working on a farm. Later, Richard earned his high school diploma and moved to Juarez, Mexico, where he met the love of his life of 75 years, Margarita, and they moved to El Paso. He saved money to build his auto body shop on Copia St.  He opened the doors to his successful business in 1952 and worked until he was 85.

Richard loved being active, having parties, and dancing. He loved the Dodgers and played baseball with his brothers and friends. He loved fishing and camping with his family and compadres. He learned multiple trades, including construction, plumbing, car repair and paint, mechanics, carpentry, and more. Everyone knew Richard for his kindness, gentleness, beautiful laugh, and intelligence. He was an angel on earth who missed his wife tremendously after passing away only three months ago.

Richard is preceded by death by his parents, Paula and Felipe Gutierrez; brothers, Lauro, Jose, and Esteban; and sisters, Alejandra and Socorro. He leaves behind his sister Maria, brother Jesus, sons Richard Jr. and Pete, daughter Margie, nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. 

We’ll Always Love you, Dad!

Each day you strived to live,
Your body too weak to be.
Your love will live forever
since your heart has set you free.
Angel’s have come to guide you,
And bring you to Heaven’s door.
Although our live’s journeys
Have bid us to be apart,
You are always with us,
forever in our hearts.

-unknown author

Funeral Services: Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Vigil/Rosary at 6:30 PM, Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Sunset Funeral Homes-East, 750 N. Carolina. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar. Interment will follow at 11:30 AM at Mount Carmel Cemetery.