Richard Carleno

Richard Quentin Carleno died on October 25, 2011. Richard died of metastatic disease peacefully at home in his own bed with his beloved cats Concho, Pixie, Angelo and Jazz with family and friends at his side.

Richard was born September 1, 1945, to Yvonne and Benjamin Carleno, who preceded him in death.

In 1952 the family moved to Durango, where Richard attended Animas School, St. Columba and Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Mo. He graduated from Durango High School in 1963. He lived and traveled in Mexico and attended the University of the Americas in Mexico City. He returned to Durango and attended Fort Lewis College.

Richard bought a barbershop next to Francisco's Restaurant on Main Ave. in Durango and began the first of many business ventures buying and selling Indian jewelry and art. He later worked at Standard Metals in Silverton where his lifelong interest and involvement with mining began.

Richard married Uta Stocker in 1977, and they continued to live in Durango until moving to Albuquerque, N.M., in 1980. Richard graduated from the University of New Mexico with degrees in geology and history. While in Albuquerque, Richard and Uta acquired a property at 701 Roma NW, the former W.E. Mauger Estate, a boarding house that had fallen into a sad state of disrepair. Never ones to shy away from a monumental task, Richard and Uta worked tirelessly to restore the three-story, Queen Ann style brick building to its former beauty. They ran the Mauger Estate as one of Albuquerque's best known B & Bs for several years. The property was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1985, and Richard and Uta were awarded the Best Historical Renovation in Albuquerque in 1989.

They returned to Durango in 1990 where Richard devoted his time to development of the Ben Carleno property, later known as CarVon. The sale and development of this property was one his greatest achievements. He also managed his numerous rental properties and growing mining projects.

Richard was a much loved friend to many and a willing and enthusiastic mentor to those who sought his advice. His sense of adventure was equaled only by his rare, sometimes offbeat wit. A funny story or hilarious prank was always lurking behind his infectious smile.

Richard is survived by his wife of 34 years, Uta Carleno, of Durango; sisters Janelle Carleno of Albuquerque, N.M., and Mary Elizabeth VonFeldt of Denver, Colo.; brothers Harry Carleno and wife Ann, Donald Carleno and wife Bonnie both of Denver, Colo.; and Raymond Carleno and wife Wilma of Friendswood, Texas, nieces and nephews: Olivia Dennison, Jean Spahr, Lisa D'Alessio, Joe VonFeldt, Greg Carleno, Paul Carleno, Jennifer Robertson, Machelle Richburg, Don Carleno, Tom Carleno, and several great-nieces and -nephews.

In lieu of cards and flowers, please pay for a meal for a stranger at the Durango Diner in memory of Richard.

Cremation has occurred; a memorial service will be announced next year.