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Richard A. "Dick" Carbajal 1935-2025 Richard A. "Dick"
Jun. 25—Richard A. "Dick" Carbajal 1935-2025 Richard A. "Dick" Carbajal, age 90, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025. Services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Thursday, July 10, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary and eulogy at 9:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Dick will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 9:30 a.m., Friday, July 11, 2025. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Lois F. "Lara" Wilson Carbajal; sons, Richard Jr. and Donnie; parents, Barney Sr. and Emily "Reina" Baca Carbajal; and siblings, Barney Jr., Corinne and Ray. Dick is survived by his children, Francine, David and Brian; grandchildren, BreAnna Grace, Dylan Justice and Daniel Jacob; sister-in-law, Della Dancer; brother-in-law, Don Shea (Bonnie); life-long friends, Benny and Mary Ellen Hodges, and Rose Ellen Guillen; and many nieces and nephews. Dick was born in 1935 (Cinco de Mayo) in Belen. He met his wife, Lois "Lara" Wilson at the time, while attending Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M. They were attracted to one another through the bond of music. She, a song-bird and pianist, and he, a stunning tenor saxophone player. Dick fell in love with not only a talented singer, but a beauty-pageant queen, becoming "Miss Hobbs" and representing New Mexico in the 1958 "Miss America Pageant." In their early years, Dick and Lara performed throughout New Mexico, singing and playing music together at many local venues. He was fortunate to marry Lara twice in his lifetime, and together they raised four beautiful and talented children. As a proud veteran, Dick served honorably in the U.S. Army from June 17, 1955, to June 16, 1963. Following his military service, he continued a life of civic duty, serving as a New Mexico state representative for Valencia County for eight years. Dick was widely recognized as a member of the "Mama Lucy Gang," a group of progressive lawmakers who helped shape New Mexico's future. In addition, he contributed to the education system through his long-standing service on the Belen Board of Education. Before Dick's political and business career as a State Farm insurance agent for 50 years, he began teaching music as a band-leader in Socorro. Music remained a lifelong passion, deeply woven into the Carbajal family. Dick also had a deep love of football, serving on the sideline, "chain gang" for Belen High School Eagles for many years. "Go Irish!" If you knew Dick then you know that he never missed watching a game on TV, and was fortunate to attend a few live games. He was thrilled when they made the college football championship playoffs in 2025. The Carbajal family extends a very special thank you to his caregiver, Clara Ortega, and the caring staff at Good Life Senior Living and Amber Care of NM, namely Amanda and Brittany. Please sign Dick's online tribute at Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.
