Richard (Dick) F Biella

Richard F Biella, 90

August 7, 1933 – January 23, 2024

Montrose, Colorado

Richard F Biella, “Dick” passed away on January 23^rd at his home in Montrose, Colorado.

He was born on August 7, 1933, on the farm in Superior, Colorado to Frank and Elizabeth (Beranek) Biella. He grew up on the family farm. He attended grade school in Superior and then attended and graduated from Louisville High School. He participated in sports, including football and track. He was active in 4-H and enjoyed showing cattle. At the age of 16 he received his first Angus heifer and named her Black Diamond after the coal mine his father worked in. He participated in the National Western Stock Show Catch a Calf Program, catching a calf during the 1951 NWSS and exhibiting the steer the following year.

Following graduation from high school, he worked long days on the Boulder Denver Turnkpike, known today as Highway 36. He then attended Denver Trade School and began work as a machinist at Sunstrand. Soon after he started at Rocky Flats Nuclear Energy Plant in 1952. In the early 1970’s he became a foreman in Research and Development and held that position until he retired. In 1954 he married his high school sweetheart, Elaine DeSantis at St. Louis Catholic Church in Louisville, Colorado.

He continued to raise cattle and hay on the farm in Superior while working as a machinist. He became a 4-H leader in 1965 and served as a leader for 12 years. He also served on the Boulder County Fair Board. He continued to raise Angus cattle and supported his children as they showed in 4-H and the Colorado Junior Angus Association. Richard served on the St. Louis Parish Board.

He retired from Rocky Flats in 1988. In 1998 he moved his home and cattle operation to Montrose, Colorado. He continued to raise Angus cattle until his death. During this time, he was awarded Colorado Breeder of the Year and in 2019 he received the American Angus Association’s Historic Angus Herd Award.

One of his greatest joys was traveling with his wife. His travels brought him to many parts of the world, including China, Russia, Australia, and his favorite country, Italy. During his travels, he never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with everyone he met. He was an avid hunter and always looked forward to the fall. His favorite hunting area was Crested Butte. Richard was especially proud of his trophy elk that is mounted in the Louisville Elks where he was a lifelong member.

Richard is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elaine of Montrose, CO, his sister, Donna (Adam) Elnicki, children, Kathi (Jeff) Creamer of Montrose, CO, Christine Biella, Montrose, CO, Richard (Linda) Biella, Boulder, CO and Jenny (Rocky) Grilli, Erie, CO, his grandchildren, Mandy Grilli, Zack (Xiaohan) Grilli, Landon Biella, Brandon Creamer and Britney Creamer, Great grandchildren, Aden Biella, Addisyn Grilli, Anthony Grilli, Michael Grilli and Isabelle Grilli.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank & Elizabeth Biella, sister, June Smith, and grandson, Travis Biella.

Richard created an amazing legacy and will be fondly remembered for his fighting spirit, warm, infectious smile, his love of God and family.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 9^th at 11:00 am at St. Daniels Catholic Church, Ouray, Colorado. Following mass, a luncheon will be provided at St. Daniels. A celebration of life will be held on February 24^th at noon at the Louisville Elks Club, Louisville, CO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Abbey of St Walburga, Virginia Dale, CO.

Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting Mr. Biella’s family. 970-249-2121