Richard Stanley Leonardo

Richard Stanley Leonardo, age 81, of Los Lunas, NM went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 28, 2023. Born on May 30, 1942, in Chicago IL, he developed a passion for flying at an early age.
Richard joined the U.S. Army in 1964 and transferred to the U.S. Air Reserve in 1966 where he served for four years as an Air Engineer Mechanic Foreman. While in service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter Rifle, Marksman, and Carbine awards. His military career spanned several decades and almost his entire life. He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and was a Crew Chief. He worked on many aircraft including C-130s, CH-37s, F-16s, and F-100s. When he wasn't in the sky, he could be found sailing and won 13 Trophies and was a member of the Rio Grande Sailing Club. His passion for both sailing and flying lead him to draw, paint, and photograph many trips and aircraft he personally had worked on. He continued working in the private sector as an aircraft mechanic and civilian pilot. He amassed many flight hours and was very proud of his perfect safety flying record. Throughout his life, Richard always found time to take to the skies and was known for storytelling about his flying days.
Richard is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Bill and Barbara Gwozdz; sons John West, Richard West, Matthew Wolverton, Kevin Wolverton, Casey Wolverton; and daughter Patricia West.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Diana Sue Leonardo.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the American Heart Association or EEA Chapter 179.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, 2211-D Main Street, SE Los Lunas, NM 87031, (505) 866-9992.To send flowers to the family please go to;
Bloom Flowers & Gifts
1402 Main St SW, Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 865-7338