Richard Kobakoff

Rich Kobakoff, 87, resident of El Prado, NM, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 13th, 2023 at Holy Cross Medical Center. He is preceded in death by his mother, Rosabelle Henchel, and father, Joseph Kobakoff. He is survived by his sister, Myra Kobakoff DeVito, of Port Jefferson, NY, his stepson, Geoff Wilson, of Boston, MA, and his son, Kent Kobakoff, of El Prado, NM. Rich was born on October 24, 1935, and raised in Flushing, New York, where he attended Flushing High School. He attended college at City College of New York and American University in Washington, DC. He served his country first in the United States Army and later throughout a career in the federal government spanning over 4 decades.  Rich was first married to Barbara Steinacker of Durham, NC and later to Connie Wagner, also deceased. A well-educated and worldly man, Rich travelled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East. He enjoyed immersing himself in foreign cultures. He had a passion for jazz and classical musics, fine dining, sailing, and sports cars. Rich was greatly beloved by extended family members, friends and colleagues, whom he thoroughly enjoyed visiting and spending time with. In lieu of a service, Rich’s son Kent is planning a memorial tour which will result in Rich’s ashes being put into the Atlantic Ocean sometime in the Spring of 2024.  The family of Rich Kobakoff has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019