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BORN
1958
DIED
2024
Richard Ornelas Obituary
Richard Angelo
Ornelas
February 24, 1958
July 25, 2024
Richard Angelo Ornelas came into this world to very young parents who were not quite adults themselves. Growing up in Colorado Springs, CO he was surrounded by a big family. He is survived by his wife Debbie, his mother Sharon, brothers Tony, Nick, Manuel. Sisters Debbie, Gina, Lisa, Amy, Marilyn, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by his father Richard, his bonus father Paul, brothers Paul (Chugs) and Winfred along with Grandparents and a few other relatives. Angelo went from High school to the United States Air Force where he served 20 years honorably. He served in the Gulf War under Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He earned the medal of Valor, Senior Air Force Maintenance medal and the Senior Missal Command Crew Badge while serving in Kuwait along with various other awards and ribbons. Despite being in a war Angelo was always a peacemaker with family and friends, just wanting everyone to have a good time. He was also lovingly elusive, you never knew when you were going to see him, he just showed up when he felt it was time. We will all miss those impromptu appearance's.
We will be holding a celebration of his life on October 12, 2024 from 1-5pm at Florence Pioneer Park on 3rd and Pikes Peak Ave in Florence CO 81226. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and Join us to share stories and Memories of Angelo.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Ornelas
4 Entries
Martin Adkins
February 27, 2025
Rich was my roommate at Nellis afb back in the early 80´s. I have been trying to make contact with him for many years. He was like family to me and valued his friendship greatly. I feel cheated to have not been able to visit with him once more. May you rest in peace my brother!
Gary Shank
February 27, 2025
I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Rich was a roommate and great friend. We were stationed at Nellis AFB. We had so much fun running around Vegas.
Gary Barcelona
October 22, 2024
This is Gary Barcelona my brother Terry and I new Richard son's younger siblings maybe a younger brother ,his mom, his dad a truck driver, maybe his older brother, but Debbie , Gina , Tony. One night we decided to make popcorn when we spent the night and no adults were there I think my brother picked up a big pot with some oil and some kernels and put on a top and we went upstairs to play after a while Richard and Terry asked me to go down and check on the popcorn so I went downstairs and when I turned into the kitchen I heard a crash and it was the top falling onto the floor from the pan and I looked over at the stove to see if erupting like a volcano popcorn was rolling over the sides and it was flying in the air and I hollered at those guys to come quickly and they came running down the stairs to fall into the kitchen and see what was going on and we fell about and laughed so hard it took at least a minute or so to get the stove turned off.lol
Steve Young
October 4, 2024
The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Richard Ornelas 20 years of distinguished service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or [email protected]. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
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