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Dennis Luchetti a lawyer and rancher, died early Tuesday morning at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque surrounded by family, he was 55. He was born in Abiquiu to Fiore and Orlinda Luchetti. His father was a pipefitter who traveled often. Dennis was brought up by his maternal grandparents, Gregorita Martinez Garcia de Trujillo and Adelaido Trujillo on the family farm in Abiquiu. There he learned to cultivate the land and raise cattle. His first language was Spanish. He went on to attend McCurdy High School in Espanola and at the age of 17 enrolled at the University of New Mexico earning a degree in history. While at UNM he worked at the radio station on campus and on his show interviewed various notables including Cesar Chavez. He pursued postgraduate work at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. In 1975, he graduated from the University of New Mexico Law School and spent the following summer in Mexico City doing archival research in land grant and water law. He began law practice with the late Matia L. Chacon and later opened his own practice in Arroyo Seco. His long career included work as a trial lawyer. He was also an attorney for the county of Rio Arriba. A deep passion for ranching kept him involved in many activities. He was a past president of the Abiquiu land Grant, held a position as an acequia commissioner and still farmed his land in Abiquiu. Dennis was a gifted artist and a talented musician. He was a friend to Georgia O'Keefe and would often go to visit and read to her. She attended his graduation ceremony from law school and routinely bought produce and eggs from Dennis' grandmother, Gregorita. His paternal grandfather, Amadeo Luchetti, immigrated to the United States at the age of 19 and entered the country through Ellis Island in New York City. The young miner made his way across the country and found work in the mines of Monero, NM. The family homestead in Monero would later become a family retreat and a place where Dennis would graze his cattle. He is survived by his wife, Audrey Eaton, a physician; daughter, Ursula who is a student at UNM; son, Giovanni who is studying at New Mexico Tech; another, son, Sam; and daughter, Brandy who are both students at Pojoaque High School; as well as his little toddler, Marisol. A Rosary was held at La Morada in Hernandez. The Funeral Mass will take place at Saint John the Baptist Church in San Juan Pueblo on Friday, April 4, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Abiquiu Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 758, Abiquiu, NM 87510.
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