Richard John Mordecki

Richard J Mordecki passed away at home on January 29th, 2023. Richard was born in McKeesport, PA on June 21st, 1942, to parents John & Helen Mordecki.

After graduating high school in 1960, he worked as an artist and illustrator in the local area. In 1963, Richard joined the Army and was stationed at Sandia Base. In 1967, he moved to New London, CT and worked as a technical illustrator for The Underwater Sound Lab. In search for a new job, he found an ad in Signs of the Times magazine for a sign painter in Clovis, NM. After living in Clovis for several years, Richard moved to Farmington, NM and started working for Atomic Signs. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Wallace. They were married on June 2, 1973. Shortly after, the family moved to Cortez, CO, where Richard started his own sign shop, High Country Signs. The family eventually moved back to Farmington, NM. In 1990, Richard, Ruth Ann & Mike, their son, started Ram Studios Signs where they all worked together until Richard & Ruth Ann retired in 2013. Throughout the years, Richard enjoyed many hobbies from playing the drums in local bands to traveling with Ruth Ann. In his later years, he loved restoring old cars and boating. He was widely known in the area as a very talented artist & pinstriper. He was also well known for his Studebaker car art.

Richard was a very loving and caring man, husband, and father and grandfather. He was reserved, but thoughtful, he was quiet but had great strength. He was honest, hardworking, brave, and compassionate. He taught his children the value of morals, honesty, hard work, integrity, taking care of your family and loyalty. Richard taught his sons how to be men, and to treat women with respect and his daughters, how to be respected. He and Ruth Ann raised a beautiful family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Richard is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Ruth Ann Mordecki, his sons, Michael Mordecki (Monica), Mark Mordecki (Melinda), Matthew Mordecki (Joanna), Martin Mordecki (Amy), his daughters, Monica Tuttle (Matthew Smith) & Martha Poulin (CJ). His grandchildren, Jasmine Mordecki (Lacey), Sarah Brooks, & Ray Brooks, and his sister, Jane Mordecki.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held at Artifacts, 302 East Main on Saturday, February 18th, from 4:00 pm to 6pm.