Two friends: The San Luis Valley meets northern New Mexico
They met almost four years ago and became friends almost instantly. Frank J. Lucero, from the San Luis Valley and Richard H. Rivera from northern New Mexico. The two, met in a doctor’s waiting room, both owned uncanny, similar personalities, and they hit it off. For the next four years they texted each other daily.
Though Lucero was battling health issues, he stayed connected to his friends and family daily.
The two newfound friends exchanged texts daily. Silly texts with lingo only a SLV born and raised and a northern New Mexico, born and raised could understand. There were jokes in English, some in Spanish, a whole lot of slang and street talk. An exchange you would never think two professionals would engage in, but they did. My husband, Richard, will never erase those exchanges. They were amusing, nostalgic and intensely recorded Lucero’s health status. There were also visits, as Lucero and Rivera lived within a couple of miles of one another.
They shared military, growing up in the SLV and northern New Mexico kind of stories. Lucero’s texts were always upbeat and positive. When he was at his worst, he said, “I’m having a bad day carnal.” For the most part the exchanges were touching and often hilarious, a possible made for TV script.
Rivera found a special friend with a common upbringing, military experience and adult life. While Lucero achieved a doctorate and had retired from the field of education, Rivera had retired from a Federal government management position. The two found a friend in one another. Their personalities clicked instantly, and Rivera would be his ear for nearly four years.
Frank J. Lucero died on Saturday, July 22nd and we will forever miss his shining and upbeat personality. His resume in the field of education is a collection of achievements. His time on earth left many with an example of tenacity, perseverance, and hard work. My husband will forever remember the bold and sometimes blunt Frank J. Lucero, a friend he only knew for 4 years, but seemed like a lifetime of friendship.
Dr. Frank J. Lucero, (PhD) was born on November 27, 1948 in Monte Vista, Colorado to Frank and Aggie Lucero. Lucero is survived by his wife Elena Sandoval Lucero, his two children, his children Kiko (Sabrina) Lucero, Monica Lucero, his siblings Patsy Lowry, Sarah (Abel) Chavez, Paul Lucero, Sharon (Duane) Lucero-Walker, Jim (Connie) Lucero; five grandchildren; and numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Aggie Lucero, his brother Michael Lucero, and his primo hermano Raymond (Shorty) Montaño.
Vaya con Dios, Frank J. Lucero.
