Richard Taylor Obituary

Richard "Rick" Taylor

1979-2025

Richard "Rick" Taylor, age 46, a resident of Socorro, New Mexico peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on July 20, 2025.

Rick was born on July 3, 1979 to John Taylor and Elisapeta Tagaleo'o in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Rick moved to the mainland when he was 12 years old, where he lived in Reno, N.V., Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Las Cruces and Socorro. Rick graduated from Los Lunas High School in 1997.

Rick served in the US Navy from 1997-2001 as a Petty Officer 3 rd Class. He was stationed in Japan. He also traveled to Dubai and Australia. Rick met many lifelong friends and shipmates while he served.

Rick worked for Walmart for many years in Las Cruces and Socorro, having many roles, like Team Lead and Coach. Many of Rick's co-workers enjoyed working with him, stating that he was a great boss. A friend, Daven Moore, wrote letters to the 49ers to get Rick something special. Rick was gifted a signed bobble head from George Kittle and a 49ers military beanie.

Rick's family thanks Daven for that.

Rick met the love of his life Denise in 2007. They quickly became one. They were each other's person. They spent their time together traveling to places like Cancun, Hawaii, Las Vegas and many trips to California. They also loved Grey's Anatomy, 911 and the cooking channel. They always went to the movies together with their most recent being the live action How to Train Your Dragon. They both shared a love for the San Francisco 49ers, going to many games, collecting many jerseys and never missing a televised game.

Rick had a passion for music, even in his last days. He only wanted music playing, mostly 90's hip-hop. Rick was a loving man and was always there for family and friends.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Kevin Sagiao and bonus grandma Beatrice Lopez.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife Denise and their fur babies, Hana (dog) and Dosia (cat); his sisters Amanda Sagiao (Lelu), Denise Sagiao and Renita Stewart; nieces Denise Grant (Anthony), Luana Sala (Kehau) and Nadine Mantoyaz (Isaiah); nephews Judeia Sala (Stephanie), Ricky Tauanu'u, Gary Lam (Leah), Freddy Lam (Janae), RJ Silva (Angel) and Enzo Silva. Rick is survived by his 12 great-nieces and nephews, a goddaughter, Alani Ibarra-Lopez and godson, Jose Ibarra-Lopez and his best friend Adam Gonzales (Sandra).

Rick is also survived by his bonus family, sister Samantha Silva, brother Rojelio "Jr" Silva, mom Renay (Danny), cousins Erica Lopez, Jessica Lopez (James), Alissa Baca, Auntie Dody Lopez, Uncle Ramon Lopez and Markeisha Lopez (Damion) whom he treated and cared for like a daughter. Along with many other friends and family.

Rick was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in February 2024. He bravely fought for a year and a half. Rick never gave up, but God saw he was tired.

A public viewing will be held at Noblin Chapel in Belen on July 31, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A eulogy and reception will be held at a later date.