Richard Louis Strasia

Richard Louis Strasia

Born: November 13, 1939          Died: April 24, 2020

Richard is Survived by wife of 40 years, Sue Strasia; Children: Michelle Nelson, Michael & Christie, Gary & Monica Strasia; Grandchildren: Bryan Roer & Chelsea Adams, Jynene & Elizabeth Hastings Roer, Sara Roer, & Dylan Nelson; Great-Grandchildren: Caudalina, Eli, Autumn, & Jace Roer, Issac Adams, &  Jillian Roer. The world is a little bit less with the passing of our friend, father, husband, & mentor, Richard Strasia.

Born on November 13th 1939, Richard Louis Strasia led the life of an adventurer. He was a true Renaissance man--skilled in physics, geometry, astronomy, languages, bee keeping, welding, hunting, building, fishing and--of course--he was an expert sailor. He spent his early years on the old family ranch in Barela, Colorado and on the family farm in Deming, New Mexico with his parents, and sister.  We heard many stories of his beloved horse and dog named Toby. After graduating from high school, Rich quickly joined the United States Navy and served on the USS Lexington from 1957 through 1960 on the Kiddie Cruise. (He got a year off for being so young when he joined.)  After returning from service, he was fortunate to spend his working years climbing electrical poles as a lineman and barehand instructor from 46kv to 500,00kv volts of electricity. He will be sorely missed by many at PNM. 

Rich's greatest love and best friend was Sue Strasia with whom for 40 years he shared a passion for sailing in the Southwest and along the inland passage in  Western Canada. He had a deep love of growing plants and tending animals. He passed this love onto his daughter Michelle Nelson. He recently was seen spattered with oil, driving his old tractor down NM-165 to give to his son Michael and wife Christie. Rich's youngest child, Gary and wife Monica, shared Rich and Sue's love of adventure and dare-devil stunts while romping around together on Jeep days in the desert. Rich was at his best with his grandchildren with whom he shared his time, skills, knowledge and passion. He had four grandchildren who enjoyed hunting, camping, hiking, and sailing together. His grandson Bryan was most familiar with his method of teaching, "sink or swim". Brian needless to say was a rapid learner. Granddaughter, Jynene and Rich studied karate together for many years. He worked hard and was proud to receive his brown belt. He also took great time to make some traditional Okinawan weapons for her. Granddaughter, Sarah had a mutual passion for travel. She joined him and Sue on their many sailing excursions. Dylan and Rich enjoyed constructing rockets, launching them, and target shooting. He is survived by six great grand children whom he referred to as "THE GREATS": Caudilina, Eli, Autumn, Jace, Issac, and Jillian. They each had a unique bond with "Papa Rich". Rich was a generous man, and after raising his own children he and Sue fostered not only children as well as many animals who needed a home. They did so with love and graciousness. 

Rich was dedicated to his community and always found ways to help others.  He was a passionate sailor in New Mexico and taught for three generations of sailors to trim lines and watch the boom. He formed Sea Scout Troup #17.  He was a Sailing Instructor for the Rio Grande Yacht Club and the New Mexico State University along with many New Mexico Tech Students. His passion for sailing will live on through their knowledge of sailing and love for the outdoors. There is so much left to say about Rich Strasia.  Our words will never do justice to this man who was strong and devoted, skilled and sweet, smart and funny and so many other things. We hope you were lucky enough to sail with him, enjoy the Christmas lights he displayed on his boat in Placitas every year, see him at mass on Sundays, work with him, share a glass of wine with him or be loved by him. His family and so many others were so blessed to share his life.  He will be greatly missed. We wish him fair winds and full sails with love, his family.  "A bad day of sailing is better than a good day at work."