Richard Skotnicki, 77, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away on September 4, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico, following a short procedure. He left this world surrounded by love, with his wife, Pamela, by his side, holding his hand and speaking to him in his final moments.
Richard was born in Niagara Falls, New York, to the late Theophil Skotnicki and Josephine Kaminski. After earning his degree in electrical engineering from the University at Buffalo, Richard’s adventurous spirit took him on a diverse professional path. Before fully stepping into engineering, he managed a co-op in Prescott, Arizona, and spent time traveling across the country. He later worked with Schlumberger in the oil fields before embarking on a 21-year career as an electrical engineer at Transcore in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Exemplifying incredible discipline and devotion, Richard made the 90-mile drive from Los Alamos to Albuquerque every workday for over two decades—rarely missing a day and logging nearly one million miles, the equivalent of traveling to the moon and back twice.
During those early years, Richard poured his heart into raising his stepsons, Jack Lomax and Jimmy Lomax, guiding them with care and dedication. Later in life, he shared a deep and cherished partnership with his wife, Pamela, and embraced fatherhood once more, taking great pride in raising her daughter, Elizabeth (Dombek) Gove. He was a devoted husband and father whose love extended fully across his blended family.
Possessing a genius-level IQ, Richard had a rare mind that combined deep technical brilliance with creative, outside-the-box problem solving. Where others saw roadblocks, Richard saw solutions. Complementing his sharp intellect was a wonderful, deep, and resonant voice—one that naturally commanded a room and was even captured in a commercial he voiced for a local martial arts school. In his 50s, Richard channeled his focus and dedication into studying Kempo Karate and Iaido (Japanese sword practice). An avid reader as well, he found endless quiet enjoyment in learning and expanding his knowledge throughout his life.
In accordance with Richard’s wishes, no formal services or public celebrations will be held. Care and arrangements have been entrusted to the Neptune Society, with solidified remains prepared by Parting Stone. His memory will be kept close in the hearts of his loved ones, and he will return home to reside with his family in quiet, everlasting peace.