Obituary for Ray B. Luchini On Friday, January 25, 2019, past County Commissioner Reynold B. Luchini (Ray) went to be with his heavenly father surrounded by his family. Ray was born to Santiago and Dora Luchini on September 25, 1923. He attended elementary School through 8th grade in Derry and Hatch, NM, and graduated from Hot Springs High School in T or C, NM in 1947.
He then moved to Ogden, Utah to attend Weber Jr College. After one semester he decided to join the US Army Air Core (US Air Force) and was assigned to the 903rd Signal Company in China, Burma India stationed at Bengal Air Supply Depot in Calcutta, India. After serving his country he moved to California in 1946 to continue his education in Engineering.
While pursuing his degree he met the Love of his life, Sue Jaramillo. In 1948 they married at a little chapel in Las Vegas, NV, and started their life together. They both enjoyed the outdoors; Ray especially enjoyed hunting and fishing.
In 1954 they decided to make the move back to Las Cruces, NM. Ray was hired at WSMR until 1960 when he ventured out to start his own small business with his brother Leo, Luchini’s Wrecking Service. In 1973 Ray was completed paralyzed from the neck down from a rare disease called Guillain-Barre Syndrome or French Polio.
After 3 years of hospitals and rehabilitation he was able to walk again with a cane. in 1976 he entered the political arena and was unanimously voted in as County Commissioner, he served in this position for 16 years. He ran for Lt.
Governor in 1986, the campaigning was cut short due to a quadruple bypass surgery. Among his many accomplishments as a County Commissioner, he lobbied in Washington D. C, for funding to purchase and refurbish the old Post Office into the Judicial Complex, build the first Dona Ana Fire Station, purchase and refurbish the Smith Grocery store into the County Health Center and the Sunland Park Port of Entry. He also received funding to pave many roads in the county such as El Camino Real, Jornada Road, and Columbus highway to name a few.
Ray’s years as County commissioner was very successful, and his accomplishments greatly benefited the citizens of Dona Ana County. Ray served on several committees including the National Association of Counties Board of Director’s and the Foreign Policy Steering Committee under the Jimmy Carter Administration. He was outspoken about important issues and gained the respect of not only local officials but also State and Federal officials as well.
Those left to mourn his passing include daughter, Bertha Lindsey, his sons Benjie Luchini (Barbara), Larry Luchini (Leah) and Eric Luchini (Crystal) all of Las Cruces, NM. His sister, Helen Vigil of Stockton, CA and brother Jim Luchini of Las Cruces, NM, Two Grandsons, Harvey Lindsey Jr. and Reynolds Lindsey, granddaughter, Amiris Cane and Great Grandson Buddy R. Lindsey. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife Sue Jaramillo Luchini, his sisters, Virginia Sullivan, Carrie Norero, his brother Leo Luchini and his son in law, Harvey Lindsey. Serving as casket bearers will be Lloyd Duffey, Buddy Lindsey, Leonard Luchini, Andy Mutchnix, Mikey Nerero and Leonard Sedillo. Visitation will begin at 5 PM Monday, February 4, 2019 at Getz Funeral Home Chapel, 1410 E. Bowman Ave, where the rosary is scheduled to begin at 7 PM, Family and Friends will join to celebrate the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am Tuesday February 5, 2019 at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina with Bishop Emeritus Ricardo Ramirez, C.S.B. officiating.
The rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Garden Cemetery, 1540 W. Picacho Ave. where he will be laid to rest alongside his wife. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Esther Vasquez and Becky Rios (Homecare)Mesilla Valley Hospice, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Comfort Keepers, Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, Bishop Ramirez and Getz Funeral Home.
Arrangements are with Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave. , Las Cruces NM 88001. Please visit www.
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