Herman Tafoya

Herman Tafoya, 84 born Wednesday May 26, 1937, lifelong resident of Algodones NM, passed away in his family home Sunday, April 3, 2022, with his loving family by his side.

Herman was preceded in death by his loving wife Rose Wheelock Tafoya; parents Ponciano and Telesfora Tafoya; great-grandson Stephen, son-n-law Dan; 10 older siblings; brothers Roberto, Augustine, Alfredo, Willie, Perfecto and Tony; sisters Carolina, Beatrice, Aurora, and Lupe. Herman is survived by his loving children George, Daughter-in-law Juanita; Steven, Daughter-in-law Christy; Rose Ann, Gary (Lauren), and Susan; grandchildren, Lorena, Georgette, Eric, Christian, Sean, Arika and Jaysen; great-grandchildren Kaylah, William, Marcus, Wade, Izabella, Jayce, Elena, and Madeline. And countless relatives and friends.

Herman graduated from Bernalillo High School in 1957 receiving 2 Baseball scholarship offers from New Mexico Highlands and Southern Methodist University, along with honors for the pivotal role he played in winning the 1956 State Baseball Championship for the Bernalillo High School Spartans.

Herman married the love of his life, his “Rosie” in 1960 and had a life-long passion for music, cooking, ranching, gardening, hunting and sports; playing semi-pro baseball after high school and fast pitch softball into his 40s. Herman also enjoyed sharing his passion with others, either through learning or teaching, eventually retiring as a Warehouse Manager for a prestigious furniture company in 1998.

Herman lived life after retirement to the fullest; he was very dedicated to his community, often delivering home cooked meals to individuals who need assistance or lived alone.  Herman was also quite the entertainer, hosting one the largest Matanzas in the county every year. Friends and Family would come from near and far to eat his famous chile and chicharones; and of course, listen to him sing and play guitar until the sun set. In his later years, he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren continue with family traditions, alongside his beautiful wife, Rose.

Urn bearers will be his loving grandsons Eric, Christian, Sean, Jaysen, William, Marcus, Wade and Jayce.

Dad, you will be remembered for your contagious smile, your love of babies “chamaquitos”, your generous heart and your unparalleled friendships- “Yo quiero tener un millón de amigos”.

Services are pending and will be announcement once they are scheduled.