George Anaya Rico was born on June 24, 1948 in Dexter, NM to parents, Hortencia Anaya and Ramon G. Rico.
He graduated from Roswell High School and shortly after enlisted in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, he was a Gunner's Mate Missile and served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1971 with the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class.
Later on in life, he married Kathie Sanchez and they raised two sons, Jeff and Anthony Rico, together.
In 1987, the family came to Silver City where George continued to work in auto retail management. Through his hard work and determination, he successfully obtained ownership of Ridgewood Motors for a number of years.
George had many interests and loved deeply. He loved to take care of his family and friends. He truly enjoyed being around his wife, sons, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sisters and his brother. He loved Mexican music and was a wonderful dancer. He also enjoyed playing cards and billiards. He enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors. He especially loved to hunt, fish and 4-wheel around Catron County.
George was a beautiful human being who acquired a lot of love, respect, and success in his lifetime. He lived a wonderful life and will be truly missed by his family and friends.
George is survived by his loving wife, Kathie; his sons, Jeff and Anthony Rico; his sisters, Socorro De La Cruz and husband Art of Las Cruces; Sylvia Roller and husband John of Silver City; Olga Sarli and her fiancé Francisco Lemon; his brother, Henry Rico and wife Hope of Roswell; his grandchildren, Alexis, Jimmy, Anthony Jr. and Gianna Rico.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 27 from 6-7pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the prayer vigil and holy rosary to begin at 7pm with Deacon Jerry Miller reciting. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated in his honor on Thursday, January 28 at 10am at St. Francis Newman Center with Father Tony Basso officiating.
Inurnment will take place on Friday, January 29 at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors.
Pallbearers will be Eric Rico, Joshua Rico, Jared Rico, Jimmy Rico, Johnny Anaya and Gilbert Madrid. Honorary pallbearers will be Dominique Kirker and Monte Winans.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.
To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.