Ryan Andy Tafoya

Ryan Andy Tafoya was born on July 27, 1975, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, to Benjamin and Yvette Tafoya. Ryan entered his eternal slumber on September 8, 2026.

Ryan spent his younger years in Taos, New Mexico, where he enjoyed playing baseball alongside his best friend and twin brother, Bryan. After graduating from Cibola High School, Ryan proudly served in the United States Navy, stationed in San Diego, CA. He was on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, as a Plane Captain in charge of a specific plane and pilot, during Operation Desert Fox.

Following his military service, Ryan completed training at the Mercedes-Benz Learning and Performance Center. He worked for many years as a master mechanic before transitioning into plumbing and home repair.

There was nothing that Ryan could not fix, and if he did not know how to fix something, he would learn. He was genuinely one of the hardest working men you would ever meet.

Ryan found great joy in helping others. He was the kind of person who would stop and help someone on the side of the road, no matter how late he was running or what other obligations he had. Helping people came naturally to him, and he never hesitated to lend a hand.

Ryan enjoyed listening to music, spending time with family and friends, camping, telling jokes, and making people laugh. He was also a devoted animal lover.

Ryan was preceded in death by his beloved twin brother, Bryan.

He is survived by his parents, Benjamin and Yvette Tafoya; his sister, Ivy Holly Tafoya; his wife, Kimberlee and her son, Kaleb; his son, Dylan Tafoya, fiancée Camille, his granddaughter, Malayah; and his nephew, Ethan Tafoya (Bryan's son). He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.

Ryan will be deeply missed, but his laughter, kindness, willingness to help others, and the memories he created with those who loved him will live on in their hearts forever.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church, 3424 4th St NW Albuquerque, NM 87107.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in the name of Francis "Panchito" Tafoya to the EnSuenos y Los Angelitos Development Center, 1030 Salazar Road, Taos, New Mexico.