Alfred P. Tafoya
( October 06, 1947 – March 13, 2023 )
Alfred P. Tafoya of Raton, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. He leaves behind a family he treasured beyond all measure. His children, Bernadette, Patricio, Consuelo, Raquel, and Felicia, with their respective partners, gave him 14 grandchildren: Anastacia, Esteban, Estrella, Victoria, Mateo, Ismael, Gerardo, Brenden, Angel, Cynthia, Carolina, Mauricio, Santiago, and Luciano; and (so far) 4 great-grandchildren, Layla, Olivia, Lilliana, and Viviana – with another one on the way! He also leaves his siblings, Linda, Robert, and Chris; one of his dearest friends, Jami; and hundreds more friends and extended family – all of whom he loved dearly.
Born to Martin and Cordelia Tafoya on October 16, 1947, in Springer, New Mexico, Alfred’s earliest years were shaped by his beloved “Gramita”- and family matriarch – Beatrice Gonzales. After being raised in Springer and briefly playing college football for Eastern New Mexico University, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968 and served as a machine gunner in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1977 after nearly 10 years of service. He returned to Springer and established “Tafoya’s Bookkeeping and Tax Service,” which he owned and operated in one form or another until his retirement.
His experience in Vietnam would lead to a life dedicated to advocating for Veterans’ causes and supporting those in military service, along with an unflinching devotion to honoring those who have given their lives in our Nation’s defense. He testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Veterans Affairs Committee on Veterans’ issues. He was heavily involved with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico, along with his Veteran brothers in the Vietnam Era Veterans of Colfax County organization. In 1983, he was recognized with the “Profile of Courage” award from the New Mexico Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, and a few years later, he was nominated for induction into the Gourd Society by Medal of Honor recipient and close personal friend, Richard Rocco.
In his full and wonderful life, he wore many hats: He was a Catholic believer in Jesus Christ; a protector; a confidant, a mentor; a SCUBA diver; a business owner; a skydiver; a great cook; an Executive Director of the Colfax County Senior Citizens; a poet; a community organizer; a municipal judge; a writer; an activist; a practical joker; a political delegate and candidate; a foster parent; a coach; a disciplinarian; a political appointee as Magistrate Judge by the Governor of New Mexico; a lover of music; a fixer; a photographer; a landscaper; a Green Bay Packers fan; and far too many more to mention.
But of all the hats he wore, the ones he took the utmost most pride in were those of a Dad, a Grandpo, a brother, and a friend. In the end, he loved – and was Loved – by many, and his smirk, his hugs, his presence, and his stories will all be greatly missed.
Services will be held at St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Raton, New Mexico, on Friday, May 5, 2023, with a Rosary at 12:00 p.m. and Funeral Mass at 12:30. Military honors immediately following.
Arrangements for Alfred Tafoya are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
Tim and I already miss you terribly Alfred! I myself will miss that smirk, and the great smile 😊 you always greeted us with . We will always remember you, rest with the Angels our friend and “brother” .