Armando Alfred "Freddie" Enriquez

  A graveside service will be held at Valley Rico Cemetery on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Military honors will be held by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5231 at 12:00 p.m.

Armando Alfred (Freddie) Enriquez was born in Los Angeles, California on May 23, 1947, the son of Alice and Gilbert Enriquez. After living in Rico for over 30 years, Freddie passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024, at the age of 77. 

   Growing up in Inglewood, California, Freddie loved running cross country, the beach, but most of all, Freddie loved his music. He married Marsha Hicks in 1970, and though they divorced in 1987, they remained close friends throughout their life. While married, Freddie and Marsha had two sons, Armando and Michael. 

   Freddie was a proud Veteran who served his country from 1965 to 1968 as a Marine in Vietnam. He returned to California to find dirty beaches, a sun that can’t shine, and too many people. Freddie moved to Rico, Colorado, where he spent the rest of his days enjoying the clean, mountain air and playing music with his childhood best friend, Johnny Hernandez. Freddie and Johnny founded the Rico Blues Project, and co-wrote the local hit song, Rico State of Mind. Freddie’s biggest dream and accomplishment in life came when his son, Michael, joined him in Rico to play music alongside him. The Rico Blues Project will forever be a legendary band of the San Juan Mountains. Freddie is survived by his son Armando Enriquez, his brother Gilbert Enriquez (wife Frances), and his three grandchildren, Cameron Michael, Sophia Marie, and Loxley Elliot Enriquez, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends and fellow musicians who were like family to him. 

   Freddie is preceded in death by his parents Alice and Gilbert, his two brothers, Donald and George, and sadly, his son Michael who passed away in January 2024.