Richard Ephraim

Richard Ephraim was born January 25, 1937 in Brooklyn, NY to his parents, John Ephraim and Grace Brown Ephraim of Brooklyn, NY. Richard also known as “Dick” or “Gunner” is survived by his wife of 55 years, Josephine Vasquez Ephraim; two daughters, Kelly Smith (Dennis) and Kim Ephraim (Jon Pat Schlittler) both of Rio Rancho NM; grandchildren, Eric Smith (Amber), Allison Shigeno (Kendall), Benjamin Schlittler, Andrew Schlittler; and two great-grandchildren, Marlie Rose Smith and Decker Ryan Shigeno. After a colorful childhood in Brooklyn and Queens Richard joined the U.S. Navy in 1955 at the age of 18. While traveling the world in 1963, Richard chose his wife, Jo to share in his adventures. Richard and Jo welcomed two daughters, Kelly and Kim in the coming years. After a successful career in the U.S. Navy, Richard retired as a Lt. Commander in 1986 in Albuquerque NM. Richard enjoyed many activities such as golfing, fishing, softball as well as sharing his life stories with family and friends. Richard enjoyed his retirement for 30 years and proved that age was just a number. After a valiant fight with lymphoma, Richard lost his battle on Sunday, September 22, 2019. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org/new-mexico. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH-Westside.