ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Just days away from the 15th anniversary of the death of a champion Albuquerque balloonist, his family is looking ahead to a different celebration of his life. Richard Abruzzo is set to be inducted into the World Air Sports Federation Hall of Fame. “In this moment, we are here to celebrate Richard,” said Nancy Abruzzo, Richard’s widow and balloon museum trustee.
Story continues below
September 29 marks 15 years since Richard Abruzzo died in a ballooning accident off the coast of Italy while competing in the Gordon Bennet gas balloon race. A feat he had conquered just a few years prior. “I think it’s a moment to celebrate his fierce competitive spirit, his love for ballooning not only in the air but on ground,” said Nancy…