Richard Henry Molera

Richard Henry Molera, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in San Manuel on Oct. 12, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson on Nov. 5, 1947, to Enrique and Delia Molera.

Richard grew up in the Barrio Hollywood area of Tucson. He was baptized and received all his Sacraments at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. He attended Tucson High School, graduating with the Class of 1966. While in high school, he started dating Sylvia, and after she graduated in 1969, they eloped to Las Vegas, NV, and were married on Sept. 14, 1969, much to the surprise of their parents.

In 1971, Richard gained employment with Magma Copper (BHP), and the couple moved to San Manuel that same year. They were blessed with their first daughter, Brenda, in June of 1980, and by October of 1981, they welcomed their second daughter, Ricci.

After retiring from BHP Copper in 1999, Richard drove 18-wheelers cross-country for Swift until he found his true passion – driving school buses for the Mammoth-San Manuel School District. He loved interacting with the children.

Richard loved all his family so deeply. His girls and especially his grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he never missed any of the events they were involved in, often showing his love by joking around and teasing others.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Enrique and Delia Molera; sister, Cecelia (Andy) Rico; and brother, Robert Molera.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Molera; sister, Patsy (Danny) Ruiz; brothers, Roy (Mary) Molera and Ronnie (Pat) Molera; sister-in-law, Cheryl Molera; daughters, Brenda (John) Laguna and Ricci (Louie) Vargas; grandchildren, Andrez, Lorenzo, Marteen, Giano, Selina, and Aria; and many nieces and nephews.

Services for Richard Henry Molera will be held on Nov. 5 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, located at 801 N. Grande Ave. in Tucson. The viewing will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10:30 a.m., and Mass at 11a.m. Immediately following the services, interment will take place at Holy Hope Cemetery on Oracle Road, with a luncheon to follow at the F.O.E. Hall on Stone Avenue.