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.
Vigil, Jose Longino
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 Michaels 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
Nambe, 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
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
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
Montoya, Aurora (10/4/28-1/9/18)
Gallegos, Ben (5/5/21-9/27/17)
Alamosa, CO
S.P.M.D.T.U. 