Henry Rivas Molina

Farmington
Henry R. Molina
Sept. 6, 1919 - Oct. 25, 2014

Henry "Hank" R. Molina, 95, of Farmington passed from this life Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. He was born on Sept. 6, 1919, in San Francisco, Calif., to Pedro and Isabel Molina.
He is survived by his wife Julia "Julie" Cabral Molina, his eldest son Henry S. Molina and his daughter Mary Ann Molina-Quevedo (Rick Sr). He has six grandkids, Mike Molina (Karen), Rick Quevedo Jr (Jennifer) Tony Molina (Sarah), Melissa Quevedo-Garcia (Michael), Priscilla Quevedo-Vicente (Isaac) and Steven Molina. In addition he has six great grandchildren, Britany, Raquel, Codi (who's serving in the United States Marine Corps), Haley, Sierra Rose, Mitch, Roberto (who is serving in the AmeriCorps), Mariana, Juliana, Roman, Mikey Jr., Gabriella, Joseph and Max; two great-great-grandchildren, Ellie and Donovan. He is also survived by his sister Mina De Garmo and Robert Molina both of California as well as various nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, mother and his middle son Tommy Michael Molina.
Hank and his wife Julie have been longtime residents of Farmington and just celebrated 75 years of Marriage in May. They met on a baseball field in 1939, and after whirlwind courtship the two were married on May 25, 1940. The Molina's had three children, Hank Jr., Tommy and Mary Ann. Hank served in the service from 1942 to 1946 during World War II. They made their home in Clifton, Colo., Seattle, Wash. and Phoenix, Ariz., before Hank was transferred with Arizona Public Service to Farmington (a welder by trade, and went on to be an instructor, inspector, professor and supervisor). Hank eventually retired from APS in 1984.
Hank dedicated much of his life to youth, anyone who knew Hank knew he was extremely dedicated and passionate about baseball. He was instrumental in helping the community build Rickets Park in preparation for Farmington's one time host of the Babe Ruth Series in 1962. He was chief FABC and AABC umpire and an all-around walking encyclopedia concerning the rules of baseball. He was honored with Channel 7's first KOAT New Mexico's Children's Jefferson Award. He was a teacher, a coach and a mentor and was completely dedicated to his community. He was also involved with the 11 Street Gym where he refereed boxing matches, being a former boxer himself. Hank helped the Boys Club raise money when it was in its early stages as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He and Julie were active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years; He loved God, and he loved spending time with his family, especially sharing his life stories with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He will be greatly missed.
A special thank you to Megan Cobb and the staff at LifeCare Center for their compassionate care and support, especially in his last days.
A rosary for Hank will be recited at 7 p.m. today, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 414 N. Allen Ave. in Farmington.
A celebration of his life and funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 29, also at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Tim as celebrant. A graveside service will be in Memory Gardens.
Hank's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688