Arturo Tafoya

Tafoya, Arturo Lamberto

Born on February 2, 1928, final day of rest, January 28, 2020. Arturo was born and raised in northern New Mexico in a small village called San Jose. He was the youngest and last living son of Serapio and Zenaida Tafoya. Though the community struggled with the Depression and WWII they managed to survive and thrive because they knew the value of family, friends and cultural tradition which was passed onto the younger generation. Arturo served in the Army and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and Army Occupational Medal. In the late 1940's Arturo met the love of his life, Malia, at a baseball game and were married on January 14, 1950. They created great memories moving from place to place along Route 66 in search of work and making a life for their family. They made their home in Flagstaff Arizona where they raised their four sons. Malia was diagnosed and lived with Parkinson's disease for 42 years and Arturo was by her side, loving and caring for her until her passing in 2015. He missed her dearly but now they finally reunited. Arturo was the Tafoya patriarch and will be greatly missed. He is survived by sons, Art and wife, Frances, Mike Tafoya, Herman and wife, Candie, Steve and Tim Cordova. Arturo and Malia have eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. We cannot forget the dedication displayed by his sons, especially Steve and his daily commitment to ensure his parents received the best care possible and were always looked after. The family would also like the recognize his son Mike who stayed with him the last year of his life, Robert Duran, Clara Gallegos, Rita Lucero and Rosemary Gallegos-Chavez who made sure to keep in constant contact and visit Arturo and Malia regularly.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2020 from 5:00-6:00 pm with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 pm at Garcia Mortuary~Chapel of Angels, on the corner of 8th and Iron. A final viewing will take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 from 8:30-9:00 am with a Mass to be celebrated at 9:00 am at St. Therese of the Little Flower, 3424 4th Street NW. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.garciamortuary.com

Garcia Mortuary

717 Stover Ave. SW

Albuquerque, NM 87102

505-243-5222