Richard DiRito

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Richard DiRito left this life while sleeping peacefully at home in Canon City, CO. He was ninety-six years old. Richard was born in Canon City on July 14, 1930, to Ben and Rose DiRito, hardworking immigrants from Italy.

A graduate of Holy Cross Abbey, he served in the US Marine Corp during the Korean war. Not long after, he and his brother Bobby began their lifelong adventure in business, building and opening the Joker Restaurant. Whatever idea brother Bobby had, Richard built - from a dry cleaner to multiple gas stations, to establishing a fertilizer production facility. They also developed one of the first coal briquette production operations in the country utilizing technology and equipment from many industry applications. In subsequent years, they built and operated a truss mill.

This partnership was just a small piece of Richard’s dedication and love of family, always mournful of the early loss of his mom and dad, ever connected to his family of five boys and three girls. Richard’s death reunites the eight children and their beloved parents, an appropriate ending to the unbreakable bond of his DiRito family.

Richard will be remembered for his ability to make everyone welcome and comfortable, always instinctively inclusive, never forgetting to embrace others as they were. He had a vivid memory, and he shared family stories and lessons passed onto him over the years. At family reunions he would travel from table to table, passing out beer and telling stories to his many nieces and nephews, reciting from memory the military service numbers of all his brothers.

Richard also built his own family, marrying Helen (Senatore) DiRito, his wife of seventy-one years. Together they raised three children, daughters, Chris DiRito Allen and Doris DiRito Houghton, and son Daniel DiRito. In addition to his immediate family, Richard is survived by his two sons-in-law, Ronnie Allen and Glen Houghton; his three grandchildren, Stephanie (Peter) Epsteen, Vince Houghton and Nick Houghton; great grandson, Max Epsteen, and Shanra (Ski) Gilliam, his devoted caregiver.

Richard’s family wants to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers that crossed his path during this journey, each finding a unique connection with him. Special thanks for the dedicated members of the Sangre de Cristo hospice team, the FirstLight Home Care providers, Dr. Reppert’s compassionate office, and Meals On Wheels many kind volunteers.

A Rosary will be held on Tuesday evening at 5:00 PM, July 21, 2026, at St. Michael Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday morning at 10:00 AM, July 22, 2026, also at St. Michael’s. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery, with a subsequent reception at St. Michael’s. Services entrusted to Holt Family Funeral Home.

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