DAVID V RILE May 5, 1950 – Dec. 25, 2025
David V Rile, 75, originally from Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away in his home in Santa Fe, the city he knew and loved, Dec. 25, 2025.
He was born in Santa Fe May 5, 1950, to the late Albro and Dorothy Rile. David’s life was marked by creativity, intellect and a love for his friends and community.
After graduating from high school, David went on to attend Arizona State University, where he excelled academically and graduated at the top of his class with a degree in Political Science. During his college years he studied abroad in Denmark for a time and grew to love new cultures and traveling.
Although his studies leaned toward politics, after college his career took a turn to a creative path. David worked as a graphic artist in Denver and San Francisco for many years after college. He excelled at the point that his experience and talents moved him to Brooklyn, NY. There he built a distinguished 20-year career with Fortune Magazine, where he was admired by colleagues for both his talent and his sharp wit.
After retirement David returned to his beloved Santa Fe, purchasing himself an adobe home and continued to work remotely for Fortune for several more years.
David’s humor, warmth, and generosity made him beloved among friends and co-workers alike. He had a sharp, dry wit and delighted in lively company and intelligent conversation.
A true patron of the arts, he spent many years as a dedicated docent for the Santa Fe Opera and served as an Usher at the Lensic theatre. He especially loved gathering friends to share a night of theatre or music, turning each outing into a cherished memory for all.
His passions extended to travel, playing games and cultural exchange. He relished a good game of scrabble which he normally won. He loved the game so much he would engage riders on the subway in New York to play with him. Later into retirement he became an avid bridge player and had two groups he enjoyed playing with each week and did so up until a week prior to his passing.
David is survived by his sisters Mary Texidor and husband Daniel, Ruth Ann Smith and her husband Wally, his Niece Sarah Shearer and husband Peter and great Niece and Nephew, Rachel and Andrew Shearer.
The family expresses their deep gratitude to Marilyn and Barry Smith for their loving him like family and the many friends that have stood by David over the years. To Liz Dee and Mac Ennis, Janet (TJ) Taub, and Kandy Frame the family is indebted to their steadfast care and companionship to him in his final years. You all blessed his life more than you will ever know. You all were family to our brother.
To the care givers at Scotts House, Anvoi Hospice Care and CareRite Home Care, thank you for your kindness and compassion in keeping David comfortable in his final days. The family is grateful that there are folks like you to help so selflessly when families are going through a difficult time.
Although David is no longer with us, his warmth, humor, and generosity will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.