Darrick Pino

It is with sad and heavy hearts we say goodbye to Darrick Pino.  Darrick went home to be with our Lord on April 15, 2024.  Darrick was born December 21, 1966 and died at the age of 57.   Darrick is proceeded in death by his maternal grandparents Frank and Agnes Muttart, and paternal grandparents Eddie and Naomi Pino.  Darrick has left behind his only son, Andre Pino, his stepdaughter Angelica Lucero, their mother Veronica Pino and grandson Jameson Lucero.  Darrick is also survived by his sister Caprice Pino and husband Marty Valdez, nieces Klassie and Alicia Pino, grandnieces Naomi Pino and Amayah Yardman; brother Ryan Higley and wife Melissa, niece Baily Higley; fiancé Alicia Montoya and her daughters, Arianna Montoya, Anna Montoya, Anika Montoya. His is survived by other family members aunt Gilda and husband Steve Vogel; and his best friend/brother Larry Medrano and his wife Jonette.  Darrick also leaves behind a family of brothers and sisters of AFR firefighters and many other friends.

Darrick was most proud of his family and his 20-year career as a firefighter and service to the public. Shortly, after high school Darrick attended Western New Mexico on a baseball scholarship and went on to enlist in the Air National Guard. Darrick also owned and operated a carpet tile store for a number of years before becoming a firefighter in 2003.  Darrick enjoyed summer days, lounging around the pool and the lake, as well as hunting and fishing.  Darrick lived to celebrate life with friends and family at his home as often as he could. Darrick will best be remembered for his charm and for being quite the jokester.   His favorite saying was, “I’ve gotta do everything.”

Memorial Mass for Darrick will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, promptly at 9:00 a.m. at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, located at 9502 4^th Street NW, 87114.  Internment of ashes will follow immediately after mass at Sandia Memory Gardens, located at 9500 San Pedro Dr. NE, 87113. Reception will follow internment at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Hall at approximately 11:00 a.m.   In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Darrick’s name to the Albuquerque Fire Department Retirees Association (AFDRA).