Richard Dennis Querio

Richard Dennis Querio, 81, passed away Thursday October 31, 2024 in Veyo, Utah from colon cancer. There was a graveside service Friday, November 1st at the Veyo Cemetery.

Rick was born December 23, 1942 in Detroit Michigan to Joseph Donald Querio and Antoinette Marie Massimino Querio. He grew up in Leechburg, Pennsylvania with extended family all around him. In 1956 his family moved to Sun Valley, CA where he finished high school.

In 1964 he married Mabel Joan Milligan. They had two children. His second marriage was to his eternal companion Norma K. Thomas on November 15, 1974 in Las Vegas, NV. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this month.

For his trade he became a radiographic technician, trained to take x-rays of pipe welds. His profession took him to many states. In 1982 while working in Farmington, New Mexico he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said this changed his life for the better.

He had the opportunity to work in the aerospace industry. In January of 1986 the space shuttle Columbia blew up after lifting off from the Cape in Florida. Rick and 11 other technicians were chosen to go to the Kennedy Space Center to find out what caused the rocket to explode. They found the problem in 3 days and were highly complimented for their work. He had the pleasure of inspecting the fuel tank on the SR 71 Blackbird spy plane and the wing of the B1-B bomber. He also worked on a nuclear submarine and two nuclear power plants. He said, “It felt good to have had a part in helping our country in the defense effort.”

In 1988 he and Norma moved to southern Utah. Since opportunities to work in his field were limited he started working in the food industry, which he really enjoyed.

One of his greatest joys was being a temple ordinance worker in St. George. He loved serving wherever he was needed. No one was a stranger to him. With a big welcoming smile and “How ya doin” he instantly connected with people.

Music played a big part in his life. He learned to play the trumpet in high school and started playing again later in life. He would practice outside on the deck of his home and the whole neighborhood would get serenaded. Whether it was musicals, modern, jazz, soft rock, folk or hymns, music was a big part of his life.

He enjoyed a good novel and was an avid reader. You’d often find him immersed in a Louis L’Amour or James Michener book along with a wide variety of mysteries, histories, and biographies.

He is survived by his wife Norma K. Thomas Querio of Veyo, UT; children, Michael (Joann) of Paola, KS; Regina (Steve) Walker of Glenwood, AR; step-children, Anna (Eric) Stevenson of Victoria, TX; Tricia King of Murray, UT; Sally (David) Gross, of Veyo, UT; Rachel (Virgil) Smith of Colfax, CA; William (Melissa) Carpenter of Chandler, AZ; Joseph (Alecia) Carpenter of Gilbert, AZ and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews; Sisters Barbara Querio Perry of Folsom, CA and Shelly Querio of Santa Clarita, CA. Those preceding him in death are his parents, brother-in-law Jerry Perry, step-son Robert T. Carpenter, grandchildren Eric Moody, Logan Smith, Tiffany King and Angelica Carpenter.

We would like to thank Tricia King for her many months of loving care and Intermountain Homecare and Hospice.