Jose E. Tafoya
d. January 7, 2018
Jose Ernesto Tafoya, 95, beloved father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother and friend was called to be with the Lord on January 7, 2018.
Ernest was born on January 16, 1922 in Las Vegas, NM to Jose Praxedes and Estefanita Tafoya. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ramona (Fernandez) Tafoya; and daughter, Gloria Martinez. He is survived by his sister, Katie Martinez; daughter, Ernestine Tafoya; son-in-law, Richard Martinez; grandchildren, Stephen Martinez (wife Ibeth), Julianna Chance (husband Randy), Andres Martinez (wife Riann), Andrea Donart (husband Nathan), and Rebecca Lopez (husband Joseph); great grandchildren, Taylor, Kimberly, Dante, Sydney, Jonah, Riley, Demetrio, Sophia, Damian, Manuel, Delilah and Alexander; numerous nieces; nephews; cousins; and many friends.
Ernest grew up in Mora, NM, helping his family tend to the family ranch and attended school through 8th grade. At the age of 20 he enlisted in the army and served as a Medical Aidman in the 23rd Field Hospital in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre during WWII (1942 – 1945). He was a pen pal to his future wife, Ramona Fernandez, during the war. On June 3, 1946 Ernest and Ramona were joined in holy matrimony. He worked as a mechanic with Santa Fe Motors until the mid-1970’s. He then continued his career as a mechanic for the State of NM until his retirement in 1989.
After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and family to the 23rd Field Hospital reunions across the nation. He had a love for farming and animals. He loved to plant beans and corn at his ranchito in La Cebollita -Northern NM.
Friends may visit at 5:00 p.m. before the Rosary vigil on Thursday, January 11, 2018, 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Wyoming. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Veterans’ Integration Center, 13032 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123.