Jose A. Trujillo Sr., 86, also known to many family members and friends as Abel, passed away unexpectedly on December 24, 2025, with his daughter by his side. He went peacefully to be with our Lord and his loving wife, Cecilia.
Abel, the oldest son to Ida Trujillo Avila, was born in 1939 in Farley, NM, where he lived until he moved to Springer in 1950, where he remained the rest of his life.
Abel attended catholic school in Springer until the eighth grade. He then attended Springer High School, graduating in 1958. While he was in high school, Abel lived on his own and supported himself by working while also attending school. This marked the beginning of his hard work and dedication to building a good life.
Abel met Cecilia Gonzales in 1960. They were married in 1963 and made a life together in Springer, where they raised their three children. They were married for 53 blessed years. Abel was a person of strong faith. He was a devout parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springer, NM where he made his 1st communion, served as an altar boy, married his wife, Cecilia, and baptized his three children and grandson.
A proud service member, Abel served in the New Mexico National Guard. During his service, he achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was honorably discharged in May 1967.
Abel was a jack of all trades. He worked various jobs throughout his life that taught him many skills. He used these skills to support his family and to help others. He happily passed on what he knew to anyone who wanted to learn. One of his greatest joys was teaching new drivers when he worked for UPS.
Abel worked for the New Mexico Boys School for ten years. Then, in 1972, a job opportunity with United Parcel Services presented itself. He spent the rest of his career with UPS and worked for them for 25 years. He met many people from the other surrounding communities he delivered to. He was a friend to all who met him. His career at UPS reflected his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. He took great pride in the work he did and the life he built through it.
After retiring from UPS, Abel started a sharpening and locksmith business. This allowed him to continue to do what he loved most, to help people. In retirement, he also served in the community. In 2006, he was recognized for the many years of dedicated service to the Colfax County Senior Citizen center. He also drove for Victory Royal medical transport and occasionally drove for our friends and neighbors (the other Trujillo’s) for their oversized load pilot business. Through these years of hard work, he built a reputation for dedication, reliability, strength, and always willing to lend a helping hand.
At the heart of Abel’s life was his love for his family. He loved spending time with his family and was happiest when everyone was together. He also found joy in the simple things in life. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing pool, fishing, working in his yard, gardening, and going to the casino. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and loved watching them play.
Abel is survived by his children, daughter, Emeline of Albuquerque, and two sons, Patrick of Springer and Jose Jr. of Raton, as well as his two grandsons, Phillip and Brian, both of Colorado. He is also survived by his siblings, two sisters, Virginia Mondragon of Albuquerque and Elsie Avila of Colorado; his four brothers, Jerry Avila of Raton; Joseph Avila of Texas, Ramon Avila Jr. of Colorado, and Orlando Avila of Florida, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Cecilia, mother, Ida, brothers, Narciso Trujillo and Baltazar Avila, sisters Augustina Trujillo and Jenny Salazar, nephew, Raymond Avila, aunt, Juanita Santillanes, and In-laws Visintita and Desiderio (JD) Gonzales.
Abel lived a life defined by his love for his family and his quiet willingness to help those around him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him and will be remembered for his strength, perseverance, strong work ethic, kindness, sense of humor and unwavering commitment to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and family unity.
Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springer, NM at 10:30 A.M. Solemn Mass of the Resurrection will also be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. Rite of Committal and Inurnment will follow in the Springer Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Phillip Trujillo, Jerry Avila, Bernadine Sandoval, Bennie Gonzales
Honorary Pall Bearers: Patrick Trujillo, Jose Trujillo Jr., Brian Trujillo
Arrangements for Jose Abel Trujillo Sr. are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home of Raton N.M.
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