We would like to honor those in our community who have passed. If you have an obituary of a deceased S.P.M.D.T.U. member that you would like to share with our community, we welcome you to send a copy of it to us at spmdtuwebsite@gmail.com.
Lopez, Vincent C., Sr. (1944-2023)
Vincent Charles Lopez was born on October 2, 1944, to Praxedes & Otilia Lopez. He was a lifelong resident of Nambe, NM. Preceded in death by his parents, eldest son Vincent Lopez, Jr., brothers Gilbert, Robert Lopez, sister Vivian Ortiz (Salvador), sister-in-law Belinda Lopez, great-granddaughter Diana Susan. Survived by his companion & best friend Christine Naranjo. Children Mario & Angelo Lopez, Maria Teresa Pacheco (Tom). Grandchildren Angela Baca (Jake), Gabriel (Ashley) & Melachiah Lopez, Thomas (Veronica), Matthew, Michael Pacheco & Zachary Lopez. Siblings Steven Lopez, Michael Gordon (Marcella), Frances Gastelum (David).
Vincent, or Vicente as many called him, had a strong work ethic. Shortly after graduating High School, he completed training as a licensed vocational nurse and worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital ER. Furthering his education; he graduated as a Registered Nurse and went on to work for Espanola Hospital ER where he retired. He enjoyed being with family, was especially proud of his grandchildren, supporting them in their athletics and education. He also liked fishing, gardening, and going to the horse races. Later in life, he was very attentive to raising and caring for his pet chickens. He will be greatly missed.
A Rosary will take place on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the Rivera Family Kiva Chapel of Light, 417 Rodeo Rd., beginning at 6:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church, Nambe, NM at 10:00am.
Published by Santa Fe New Mexican on Oct. 5, 2023.
Deacon Pete I. Garcia, 97, a resident of Cuyamungue and born in Nambe, was called home to the Lord on Sunday, August 27, 2023. He was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great-grandfather, always bragging about five generations.
He is preceded in death by his wife Katie M. Garcia, Pacifica and Antonio Garcia, son-in-law Sam Artino, sister Elisaida and brother-in-law Jerry Trujillo, brother Sam Garcia, sister Marian Barnes, and great-grandson Matthew Romero.
Pete was known by so many as “Grandpa Pete” or “Deacon Pete” to the people of the community, where he served for 30 years as a Deacon at Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Parish in the Pojoaque Valley. He was welcomed at the gates of heaven by his lovely wife, Katie M. Garcia, also known by so many as “Grandma Kate.” Pete was always a religious man with strong faith. After a serious accident and a lengthy stay in the hospital, his prayers to the Virgin Mary and her apparition in the hospital, his faith became stronger. This led to him giving his life to serve the Lord and his community; thus motivating him to become a deacon. He has touched the lives of so many with his love and faith. He was so blessed with so much family, friends, and the community who visited him these last couple of months to pray with him, sing with him, bring him delicious desserts which he loved and truly enjoyed until the end. We thank everyone who has reached out to offer their condolences and to share all their special stories, each of them with beautiful stories on how “Grandpa Pete or Deacon Pete” touched their lives and have made them who they are today. He will be greatly missed, but we know he was welcomed into heaven with open arms and finally met the Lord whom he served for so many years. We all have another special angel to watch over us as the rain has been pouring from above. We will miss him deeply, but let the memories and the love and faith that he has shared with each of us live on forever through all the lives that he has touched.
He is survived by his children Esther Artino, Leonard Garcia (Belle Marie), and Mary Frances Gomez. Grandchildren Matthew Romero (Rose), Melissa Mascarenas, Alfio Artino (Vanessa), Daniel Garcia (DeAnn), Diego Gomez (Maribel), and Feliz Vigil (Randy). Great-grandchildren Tommy Ray Mascarenas, Samantha Baros, Marcos Artino (Amber), Shane Artino, Mario Artino, Alicia Artino, Katie Garcia, Mariah Garcia, Sebastien Gomez, Analyssa Gomez, Araya Vigil, Everett Vigil, Britta Vigil. Great-great grandchildren Chanel Romero, Joaquin Mascarenas, Zach Mascarenas, Timaeus Aguilar, Helios Aguilar, Daneiris Aguilar, Jason Artino, and Anthony Artino. Brother Manuel Garcia (Mary Ann) and sister-in-law Alice Garcia.
A public visitation will begin on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe del Valle de Pojoaque (NSDG) at 6:00 pm with a rosary to follow at 7:00 pm. A second rosary will be on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 9:00 am also at NSDG, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10:00 am and burial at 1:30 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with military honors.
Pallbearers bring Deacon Pete Garcia to his place of rest will be Matthew Romero, Alfio Artino, Diego Gomez, Daniel Garcia, Tommy Ray Mascarenas, and Everett Vigil. Honorary Pallbearers, Herman Trujillo, Joseph Duran, Wilfred Romero, and Mark Trujillo. The family of Deacon Pete Garcia has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com.
Published by Santa Fe New Mexican on Aug. 30, 2023.
Pacheco, Donald (1935-2023)
Donald Pacheco, a guiding light and cornerstone of his family, passed away at the age of 88 on July 27, 2023. Born on March 31, 1935, in Trinidad, Colorado to Norman Bonnie Pacheco and Eva Duran. Donald was forever grateful that he was raised by his grandparents, Catalino and Josephita Duran and his four aunts, Helen, Emma, Dora and Beatrice who taught him the value of obtaining an education. He lived a life marked by devotion, intellect, and joy. Donald was a proud alumnus of the University of Denver, where he earned a law degree and laid the foundation for a successful career. He enjoyed being a member of one of Colorado’s oldest fraternal organizations, La Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos (The Society for the Protection of United Workers).
But Donald’s life was about more than his professional achievements; it was about the love he shared with his family and the joy he found in his hobbies. An avid reader, he always kept up with world current events and enjoyed stimulating his mind with puzzles and games. More than anything, he cherished his time with his family. His love for his spouse, Romaine Pacheco, and her daughters, Diane, Carla and Diedra and his sons David and Donald Jr., and daughters Dorothy and Diane was palpable. His grandchildren, Clarice, Bridget, Alyssa, Xavier, Isabella, Davian, Ariya, Nick, Eric, Alex, Jacob, Caroline, and Danielle will remember him for his love, warmth, generosity, and the endless wisdom he shared.
Donald was a man who always put others before himself, epitomizing selflessness. Whether it was a helping hand or a listening ear, he was there when his family needed him most. His legacy will be remembered through the cherished memories, the laughter shared, and the lives he touched. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Donald’s remarkable life, honoring the love and happiness he spread to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those he loved, and his example will continue to inspire for generations to come.
DeHerrera, Andrew Lee (1958-2023)
Alamosa, CO
Andrew Lee DeHerrera, of Alamosa, Colorado, peacefully entered into rest, April 29, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving wife, Brenda and daughters, Bethany, Audrey, Andrea, and Brittany. He was known as “Andy Lee” to some, and as Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, and friend to others. Andrew was born January 29, 1958, to Orlando and Ida DeHerrera in Alamosa, CO, he was 65 years of age. Andrew was the 7th of 12 children and grew up on the family ranch in Lobatos, CO. Andrew loved spending time with his large family and was known for being a jack-of-all trades, always willing to help family and friends without hesitation. Andrew would help complete strangers as well, like the time he stopped to help a lost hunter find their way back to basecamp and drove around in the dark for several hours, with all the girls in the backseat. Andrew was an avid hunter and was nicknamed “Walker” by his brothers because he could walk for miles in the mountains around the Valley looking for the perfect shot.
Andrew spent many years helping his parents on the family ranch, raising cattle, irrigating fields, baling hay, and teaching his daughters the hard work and joy of being a Rancher. Andrew would regularly be asked if he regretted not having any sons and he always said NO, he had 4 beautiful daughters who could do anything a boy could! Andrew’s greatest joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren, Athena (19), Amelia (18), Autumn (16), Atticus (15), Bennett (14), Alexander (14), Aiden (7) and Anderson (3). Andrew had a special gift with children and could calm a crying baby or make youngsters giggle with glee, he was a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Andrew took great pride in being a hard worker and had several careers throughout his life. He was a Conejos County Sheriff a Deputy, a wildland fire fighter, Electrician, started as an HVAC specialist at the Mushroom Farm in Alamosa, and then at Adams State College for over 15 years, and most recently was an HVAC Stationary Engineer at Regis University in Denver until his early retirement in 2018. Andrew was also a Volunteer Fire Fighter for the Antonito Fire Department, a long-time member of the SPMDTU, and a 4th degree Knights of Columbus member. He also enjoyed helping out with ticketing and security at many Alamosa High School sporting events when his daughters were students and wife Brenda worked for Alamosa School District. Andrew met and befriended many great colleagues throughout the years but none so special as Anthony and Judi Velasquez, who became lifelong friends and a part of the family.
Andrew is survived by his wife of 43 years Brenda DeHerrera; daughters and sons-in-law Bethany & Brian DeHerrera-Schnering, Audrey & Andrew Tiffenbach, Andrea & Albert Chacon, and Brittany DeHerrera; a nephew who was like a son to him, Joven & Kristina DeHerrera. His siblings, Ted & Janice DeHerrera, Guillermo & Jolie DeHerrera, Richard DeHerrera, Maria Morales, Kenneth & Yolanda DeHerrera, Cindy & David Atencio, Teresa DeHerrera, Orlando Jr & Tish DeHerrera, James & Denise DeHerrera; In-laws, Evelyn & Bobby Trujillo, Lorene & JC Quintana, Lucas & Della Martinez, Lisa Mendez, Keri Jex-Blake, Geri DeHerrera, Leo Flores, Geri Martinez, Salvador Casias, Alan Lindsey, Alan DeHerrera, and Lisa Martinez.
Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, Orlando and Ida DeHerrera, brother, Augustine DeHerrera, baby sister, Joan DeHerrera, sisters-in-law Janet DeHerrera, Loyda Flores, Frances Lindsey, Debbie Casias, and brothers-in-law Jesse Martinez and Peter Martinez.
Andrew’s last months here on Earth were hard, but we are eternally grateful to Brenda/mom/grandma for bringing him home to the San Luis Valley and giving him more time to spend with those he loved. Thanks also to Hospice del Valle for their support and assistance through this time.
Viewing and Rosary will be held, Thursday, May 11, 2023, with the viewing at 4:30 pm and the Rosary at 6:00 P.M., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Conejos. Mass of the Resurrection will be held Friday, May 12, 2023, at 1:00 pm also at Our Lady of Guadalupe with burial to follow at the Ortiz Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the loving care of the Johnson-Romero Family Funeral Home of La Junta, https://www.johnsonromero.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable contributions in Andrew’s memory be made to the Brain Support Network, PO Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026, www.brainsupportnetwork.org, to help further research into Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
Vigil, Jose Longino (2023)
Nambé, NM
Born in Nambe, NM. The Oldest of five siblings Lita, Benito, Gilbert and Lorenzo (Jr.). He was preceded in death by his wife Sophia Vigil, and all of his siblings.He is survived by his son, Douglas Vigil. Granddaughter Johanna Vigil-Leon and her husband Hector, and their son Lorenzo (III). As well as grandson, Jesse Dylan Vigil, and his three children Cyrus, Violet, and Senaida. And, greatgreatgrandson Zebulon.
Longino attended the Nambe School, and went on to graduate from Saint Michael’s High School. He continued on to Highlands university where he studied auto mechanics.Longino proudly served in the Army during WWII. He served in the Ivy leavy division of the fourth infantry across France and Germany. Most notably his division liberated Dachau.After the war he worked in the shipyards in Oakland, CA. Before long he returned to New Mexico to become a fireman in Los Alamos.Longino was a lifelong farmer and rancher. He was a member of the New Mexico Apple Council, he was also very involved in the Santa Fe Farmers Market for decades.
He was involved in the community and was a member of the S.P.M.D.T.U.. He was a school board member for the Pojoaque Valley School District. He was also deeply rooted in the Catholic church. He will be deeply missed.
A rosary will be held on Tuesday January 17, 2023 at Rivera Funeral Home in Espanola, NM at 7pm. A mass will be held on Wednesday January 18, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church in Nambe, NM at 10am. A burial will be held following the mass on Wednesday Janurary 18, 2023 at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM at 2pm.
Valdez, Danny (1954-2022)
Nambé, NM
Reverend Mr. Jose Daniel Valdez, 68, entered this life on February 7th, 1954 and was called to his eternal home on Sunday December 4th, 2022. Deacon Danny was born to Dolores P. Barry in Torrance, CA and was raised in Nambe, NM by his maternal grandparents Jose R. and Juanita Valdez. He was a 1972 graduate of Pojoaque High School. Deacon Danny was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on July 12, 2003. He retired from the Los Alamos National Laboratory after 40 years of service.
In 1984 Deacon Danny met the love of his life Norma and they married on September 12th, 1986. They welcomed three children and nine grandchildren in their beautiful life together.
Deacon Danny was preceded in death by his parents Joe E. and Dolores Barry, his maternal grandparents Jose R. and Juanita Valdez, aunts and uncles Ruby Roybal, Ambrosia Hutt, Valentine & Benancio Valdez, padrino Arturo Romero, nephew David Barry, and his beloved dog Rusty.
Deacon Danny is survived by his wife of 36 years Norma Jean Valdez, children Danielle & Thomas Miera, Nathan & Charlene Valdez, and Katarina Valdez & Timothy Cowan. Grandchildren, his pride and joy, Vanessa, Isabella, Jennifer, Sophia, Daniel, Robert, Krystianna, Levi, and Olivia. Brothers and Sisters Anthony & Mahilea Barry, Patricia & Albert Fernandez, Doreen Nevarez, Richard & Patsy Barry, Joseph & Ann Gomez and Carmella Rodriguez & Brenda Manuelito. In-laws Robert & Lucy Garcia, Bobby & Marlene Garcia, & Deborah & Tommy Martinez. Aunt Ana & John Trujillo. Madrina Miquella Romero. Nephews, Nieces, and Godchidren, Nellie, Nicole, Ivan, Patrick, Marissa, Kevin, Miguel, Chanelle, Rico, Josh, Roberto, Brianna, Allison, Jeffrey, Gabriel, Stephanie & Lou.
Deacon Danny had many friends and hermanos through his lifelong involvement in the community. He belonged to the Permanent Diaconate, he served as the Presidente Superior for the SPMDTU Fraternal Order in 1988, Cofradia de la Santisima Trinidad, SEARCH for Christian Maturity Youth Retreat Program, Life in the the Spirit Seminar Team, ACTS Apostolate, Confirmation Catechist, Church Mayordomos, T-Ball Coach, and Little League Head Umpire.
Deacon Danny enjoyed many things in life including carving, playing his guitar, and taking trips, but none more than playing with and teaching his grandkids about their Catholic faith. He truly had a unique relationship with each of them.
There will be two Rosaries held on Sunday December 11th, 2022. The first will be at Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Catholic Church in Nambe at 3:30pm (visitation begins at 3pm). The second one at Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Catholic Church at 7pm (visitation begins at 6pm). Deacon Danny had a special devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on her feast day, Monday December 12th, 2022 at 11 am (visitation begins at 10am) with internment to follow at the Pojoaque Cemetery. A reception will follow at the parish hall.
Serving the family as pall bearers will be Alex Martinez, Ivan Barry, Kevin Fernandez, Miguel Nevarez, Rico Fernandez, Roberto Garcia, Jeffrey Vigil, & Gabriel Martinez. Honorary Pall Bearers will be his Hermanos of the SPMDTU, Santisima Trinidad, ACTS Brothers and Sisters, Search Family, and his brother Deacons.
The family of Deacon Danny would like to sincerely thank Dan, Yisell, Chelsea, Sasha, Neil and the St. Vincent’s ICU/CCU team, and Dr. Kingston, Dr. Gonzales, Dan, and Bianca with Campasuss Hospice for caring for our dad in his final days. We would also send a special thanks to Dr. Glenda King and Lori, Deb Caswell & Wound Care Staff, Keith Romero & Anti-Coag Clinic Staff, JoAnna Kershner, Jose Garcia & Sombrillo Nursing Home Staff and Santa Fe County Fire Department for their compassionate care throughout Deacon Danny’s Illnesses.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Benito Garcia Scholarship Foundation (Zia Credit Union), or the Saint Vincent De Paul Society at Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Parish.
The family of Deacon Danny has entrusted the gentle care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory in the beautiful Espanola Valley. (505)747-7477 http://www.devargasfuneral.com
Martinez, Ross R. (1934-2022)
Santa Fe, NM
Ross R. Martinez was called home by our Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 9, 2022, just 40 days after the passing of his beloved wife Flora (Flo) Martinez. Ross was born to Tony Sr. and Josephine Martinez on May 14, 1934 and was married to his beloved and dedicated wife Flora for 65 years. Ross served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return to New Mexico; he began his career as a Police Officer for the City of Santa Fe, retiring as Captain. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where he was an usher for many years, and was also, a member of the Holy Family Group #3, Coro de San Antonio. Also, Ross was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #3 and a member of the S.P.M.D.T.U. Concilio #57 de Nambe.
Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Tony Sr. and Josephine Martinez, his loving wife Flora Martinez, siblings: Orlando Martinez, Joe Martinez, Stella Rael, and Isabelle Martinez. In-laws: Elizario Garcia Sr. and Estefanita Garcia, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws: Glenda Martinez, Guadalupe, Laura, and Norma Jean Garcia, Susie (Secundino) Quintana, Elizario Jr. (Eva) Garcia, Pita (Joe) Sanchez, Joe G. Montoya, Dorothy Garcia, God-sons: Benito Garcia, Joe Mark Montoya, Jimmy Martinez, Donald Archuleta, Fernando Martinez, nephews/nieces: Joey Sanchez, Michelle Therese and Jackie Quintana, many other relatives, and long time and devoted friend Michiko Wright.
He is survived by his brothers: Tony Martinez Jr., and Guadalupe (Lupe) Martinez, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws: Josephine Martinez, Gloria Montoya, Ramon and Marvine Garcia, Annabelle and Ron Brazeal, Robert and Lucy Garcia, Joe O. and Debbie Garcia, Ben and Charlotte Garcia. God Children: Ben Garcia, Leo Quintana, Larry Abeyta, Joyce Markusfeld, Michelle Garcia, Gina Rocha, Joann Vigil, nieces, nephews, numerous, compadres, friends, and neighbors, especially Dora Holmes and family, John and Olivia Romero, Donna Apodaca, Yvonne Ortiz and family and Anna Mae Gallegos.
The family expresses their gratitude to the staff at Kingston Residence, the Santa Fe Fire Department, EMT’s, Christus St. Vincent Emergency Room staff and Doctors, and Adriana Martinez with Presbyterian Hospice.
On Wednesday, July 27, 2022, visitation will take place at Berardinelli Family Funeral Home at 5:00 p.m., followed by the praying of the Holy Rosary by the family at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1301 Osage Avenue, Santa Fe on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. with interment to follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made to the Benito Garcia Memorial Scholarship Fund – Attn: Zia Credit Union, PO Box 490 Los Alamos, NM 87544, Alzheimer’s Association PO Box 97394 Washington, DC. 20077-7967 or your favorite charity.
Chavez, Bob
Denver, CO
Our Brother Bob Chavez passed away on July 27th, 2021. A vigil service will be held on Friday, August 13th 2021
from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the St Bernadette Catholic Parish (7240 W 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80214). The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 14th 2021 at 10:00 AM at the same location. A committal service will be held on Saturday, August 14th 2021 at 12:00 PM at the Mount Olivet Cemetery (12801 W 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033).
Mondragon, Leroy (1938-2021)
Denver, CO
Leroy Mondragon, age 82, of Thornton, Colorado passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Leroy was born October 2, 1938 in Antonito, Colorado. He was surrounded by his loving family as he passed away. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all that knew and loved him.
Leroy is survived by his wife, Amy and his 3 children, Pam (Tom) Ariniello, Denise (Roger) Rios and Nathan (Denine) Mondragon; eight grandchildren Ryan, Joe (Sarah), Dan (Stephanie) and Celine Ariniello; Simone (Emily) Rios-Kirk; Heidi (Nathan) Weed, Calvin Mondragon and Sophia Hamp; three great-grandchildren Luca and Leo Ariniello and Jaxson Weed. He was preceded in death by his father Cristobal Mondragon and mother Beatrice Jiron. His lively spirit will never be forgotten.
Leroy was a devout Catholic. He was a longtime parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary and an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7502 since 1980 and was a fourth degree Knight. He received honors of the Admission Degree on March 12, 2019. He enjoyed volunteering at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Stewardship Center Food Bank after he retired from working in various office roles in the trucking industry for 36 years. He was also an active soccer coach for 12 years and soccer referee for over 25 years. He was a member of SPMDTU (Sociedad Protecciόn Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos) which is an organization founded in 1900 by his grandfather, Celedonia Mondragon, to protect Hispanic landowners and combat discrimination.
The Rosary will be held on Wednesday, July 28th at 6:00 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 11385 Grant Drive, Northglenn, Colorado. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday July 29th at 10:00am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Lunch reception immediately following in the parish center. Viewing will be available the hour before the Rosary and Funeral Mass. Burial at Olinger Highland Mortuary, 10201 Grant Street, Thornton, Colorado, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to The Immaculate Heart of Mary Stewardship Center can be made via this link.
Martinez, Pedro (Pete)
Alamosa, CO
Lopez, Felix R.
Alamosa, CO
Trujillo, Michael A. (1947-2018)
Montoya, Aurora (10/4/28-1/9/18)
Gallegos, Ben (5/5/21-9/27/17)
Alamosa, CO
Gonzales (Medina), Erlene Mary (1922-2016)
SPMDTU 