Richard L. Diller
Richard Diller, 66, loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle, colleague and founding "Boy’s Club" member, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 4, 2019, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. His family was at his side. Rich was a commercial real estate broker in Albuquerque for more than 34 years, most recently with NAI Maestas and Ward, while also serving as president of CCIM and SIOR and CARNM "Realtor of the Year" at various points throughout his career. He was a member of the Lobo Football First Team, Lobo Club and board/lifetime member of the UNM Alumni Letterman’s Association, and participated as a Big Brother in Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central New Mexico.
He arrived in Albuquerque from Phoenix to play football for the University of New Mexico Lobos from 1970–1973, where he starred as a fullback and teamed with quarterback Rocky Long and halfback Fred Henry to help lead a nationally ranked Lobo wishbone offense. Many of his teammates remained lifelong friends. A true Lobo for life, Rich enjoyed cheering on the UNM football, basketball and volleyball teams throughout the years.
Rich had a lifelong love and commitment to Albuquerque and New Mexico. He was an avid golfer, hiker and sports fan, and enjoyed traveling. He particularly cherished time spent with his close circle of friends, the "Boy’s Club," and the family’s many visits to one of their favorite places, Pagosa Springs, CO.
Rich was our hero who possessed a heart of gold. He was our rock with an ever-steady hand and fortitude to navigate us through the good and the bad. He was a genuine family man of deep integrity, loyalty, generosity, courage and kindness who loved nothing more than to be with family and friends enjoying meals, sports, and celebrations together.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he impacted professionally and personally throughout the years. His family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during these difficult months and our time of sorrow.
Rich will be lovingly remembered by his three children, Ashley Diller, Kimberly Harms and husband, Bobby, and Ryan Diller; his parents, Don and June Diller; sister, Laura Hair and husband, Millard; brothers, Randy Diller and Larry Diller and wife, Donna; and his wonderful girlfriend, Ann Beddingfield. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 30 years, Debra Diller. We take comfort in knowing they have been reunited and that their spirits will live on in all who knew and loved them.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 18, 2019, 11:00 a.m., at Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo Del Norte NE. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rich may be made to the Albuquerque Community Foundation noting the Rich Diller Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 25266, ABQ, NM 87125 or online at albuquerquefo undation.org. Please visit our online guestbook for Richard at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 505.823.9400 www.frenchfunerals.com