Florencio Aragon

Florencio "Yaz" Aragon passed away peacefully in Albuquerque on April 25, 2025, after a lengthy illness, with his wife holding his hand and his son and daughter by his side.

Born on November 9, 1937, in Gallup, New Mexico, Yaz was the son of Florencio Aragon and Maria Petra Flores. A proud graduate of Gallup High School, he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track-but it was the lasting friendships he formed that meant the most to him.

After high school, Yaz enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he continued to build lifelong friendships. He later earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico and went on to enjoy a long career at Sandia National Laboratories, retiring in 2003. He continued consulting for an additional 10 years. During his time at Sandia, Yaz often taught classes and mentored students from various schools. Education was a lifelong passion, and he encouraged those around him, young and old, to pursue learning and knowledge. His curiosity never waned.

Yaz had a deep appreciation for music, sports, science, and history. Time spent with him was a lesson in life. He was a wealth of knowledge, trivia, and practical advice. He had a quick wit and a love for humor, always ready with a joke or funny story. He especially loved sharing stories and quirky songs with his children and grandchildren-memories that continue to live on in them.

Yaz is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carol; his son, Richard C. Aragon and wife Gina; his daughter, Tracy Aragon Green and husband Troy; and his beloved grandchildren: Amanda Aragon, Staff Sergeant Richard M. Aragon, Tate Goldhammer, Tristan Goldhammer, and Tara Goldhammer. He is also survived by his brothers, Phillip Gonzales, Ronald Gonzales, and Larry Gonzales; in-laws Kathy and Michael Dusseau, Patricia and Doug Murphy, Joe Esparza, and Kathy Gonzales; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Pete Aragon, Robert Gonzales, Arthur Gonzales, Buddy Gonzales, Eddie Coriz, and his beloved sister, Betty Esparza.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Risen Savior Catholic Church. Eulogies will begin at 9:15 a.m. and mass at 9:30 a.m. Military Honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Yaz will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.