With great sadness, we have to tell, that Alan Vinton Richard Sr., 91, passed away in the morning hours of June 28, 2024, in El Paso, Texas. “Al” was born on December 4, 1932, in Greenport, Long Island, New York, growing up in Orient, New York. After Graduation from Greenport High School, he was admitted to the US Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1954, having earned advanced science degrees at Cornell University. Al Richard was a career Military Officer and a Vietnam Veteran, retiring from the US Army as Lieutenant Colonel in 1975.
After his Military retirement, Al’s scientific credentials netted him a second career in the aerospace industry, which included a stint working on the new international Space Station 1622 in Huntsville, Alabama. When Al came the first time to Fort Bliss and El Paso, he really liked it here and came often back, until he in 1997 finally retired and the Family moved here to El Paso.
Al never met a Stranger and found many Friends – especially while walking with the dogs.
A few of those friends “adopted” him as Grandpa Richard.
Alan Vinton Richard Sr. was pre-deceased by his Parents L. Vinton and Helen Richard, his wife of 40 years Margarethe (Chris) Richard, Son Alan Vinton Richard Jr., Daughter Sylvia Richard and Sister Jean Leety.
He is survived by his loving Wife of 25 Years Sigrid (Sigi) Richard, Daughter Suzanne Smith, Grandson Alan Vinton Richard III, Great-Granddaughter Selah, Stepdaughter Michaela Czernotzky, Stepson Hans- Joerg Czernotzky, Brother-in-Law Charles Leety, Niece Sarah Leety-Stevens and Nephew Robert Leety.
Celebration of Life will be on Friday, 9th August 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home, 128 North Resler Drive.
The burial with Military honors is following at 1:30 pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to your favorite Animal shelter, in Honor of Alan Vinton Richard, is deeply appreciated. Al is already sorely missed; he loved the Family dogs Mordy and Kumpi and he enjoyed watching for hours a whole Deer family that like to rest in the shady areas of the Backyard.
