Richard Balencia

Beloved son of Mingo and Ruby Romero Balencia older brother to Anthony R. Balencia left this life suddenly Monday, May 10, 2010 at his home in Albuquerque, N.M.

Rick was born July 23, 1964 in Artesia, N.M.

He graduated from Artesia H.S. in 1982 and then left Artesia to go to college at E.N.M.U. where he graduated from in 1987 with a BBA.

Rick love life and lived it to the fullest. His hobbies were skiing and his passion was hot air ballooning. His balloon was QUIXOTES DRAGON and he had been a licensed pilot for 10 years. He was also an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He leaves behind his parents and his brother of Artesia paternal grandmother Juana Balencia uncles, aunts, cousins, as well as a wealth of friends. He is also survived by his Dalmatian Feo who protected him even in death.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Elias Balencia, Sr. in June 1968, Juan S. Romero in April of 1994, and Porfidia M. Romero in March 1995 Aunts Charlotte Castaneda in June of 1996, and Flora B. Anaya in November 1970 cousin Danny Martinez in 2010.

Pallbearers will be Steve Marquez, Jose Vellez, Israel Bejarano, Mike Smith, Rhett Griffith , and Dale Birkland.


Mass of the Resurrection is scheduled at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 14th, at St. Anthonys Catholic Church. A rosary will be at the church Friday at 1:00 p.m.

Visitation will be at church also beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at Woodbine Cemetery.