Obituaries (June 12, 2025)

Mark Allen Aragon

1964-2025

Mark Allen Aragon was born on July 21, 1964, in Montebello, Calif., and passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Los Lunas, surrounded by his family and friends.

Mark was affectionately known by his close friends as “Boozer Duck,” and had an infamous tattoo that portrayed a boozer duck on his right arm.

Mark is survived by his brother, Kenneth V. Aragon; sister-in-law, Shirley D. Aragon; sister, Nicola P. Ontiveros; nephews, Ross F. Aragon IV, Drew M. Aragon and Dominic P. Otero; and nieces, Leyna V. Aragon and Yvette R. Hill; and his goddaughter and niece, Naomi C. Otero.

Mark’s other beautiful family and life-long friends include David and Stephanie Dykes and children, David Dykes V, Brandon Dykes and Hannah Morgan.

Mark is proceeded by his parents, Ross F. Aragon Jr. and Delia Aragon; brother, Ross F. Aragon III; and sister, Toni A. Aragon.

Mark was known to be a compassionate man who loved big and had a beautiful soul. Mark cared unconditionally for all of family and friends. He loved all children, as they gravitated towards him, while he took time out of his day to give love and attention to them, just to make them smile.

He enjoyed watching sports with his favorite brother, Ken, and spending time with his extended family. He was an avid Los Angeles Rams’ fan, and he enjoyed traveling to Los Angeles to watch them play with his brother and nephews.

He was quipped as the “Encyclopedia” because of his ability to recall sports statistics as well as history facts. Mark was close to his nieces and nephews, providing guidance and loved them unconditionally.

Mark’s accomplishments included his journeyman card as well as several apprenticeship awards. He was not only a dedicated worker, but also taught his craft to help foster his fellow workers.

Mark Allen Aragon will be missed and loved far beyond his amazing life on this earth.

Services for Mark will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 28, to be followed by gravesite services and a reception at the Church in the Parish Hall.

Richard “Rick” Gallegos

Died 2025

Richard “Rick” Gallegos, age 61, a resident of Belen, passed away on Feb. 21, 2025, surrounded by family.

Rick was an honorably discharged veteran of the Air National Guard, former lieutenant of the city of Belen Fire Department, and member of the La Merced Moose Lodge 2550. Rick also spent several years as a law enforcement officer.

He enjoyed horseshoes, poker, chess, watching movies and supporting his Dallas Cowboys.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Filimon and Mary Gallegos; brothers, Gilbert and Felix Silva and nephews, Jack Williams and Christopher Gallegos.

He is survived by his daughters, Samantha and Marissa Gallegos; siblings, Paul “Wimpy” Gallegos (Suzie), Dolores Contreras (Lawrence “Country”), Evelyn Gallegos (Gene), Wayne Gallegos (MaryJane) and Dominic Gallegos, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Burial services for Richard will take place at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 19, at Our Lady of Belen cemetery.

Kennie R. “Ken” Lunsford

1959-2025

Kennie R. “Ken” Lunsford, 66, passed away on June 5, 2025.

He was born in Aliceville, Ala., and lived his life in Belen, N.M. He has many cherished family members in the Alabama area. Kennie lived life on his own terms, charming those around him with his stubborn, yet warm personality.

Ken spent many fulfilling years working at Sonic and most recently, Bargain Square, a place where his curiosity and enthusiasm for unique finds flourished. Always eager to bring home discovered treasures, Ken enjoyed recycling, crafting and building an impressive collection of movies. He especially favored historical films and books, crime dramas and often dedicating hours to watching and discussing them.

Throughout his life, Ken cherished the special memories he created during travels. Highlights included an unforgettable journey to the scenic shores of Hawaii and captivating visits through the historic sites of Washington, D.C. Each trip served as inspiration for countless stories Ken loved recounting with vivid detail, always leaving listeners entertained.

He will be deeply missed by his friends who became his family at Adelante and all who knew him.

A celebration for Ken will take place at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 24. Pallbearers will be the loving caregivers, Stephen Trujillo, Russell Gurule, Andrew Robinson, Carlos Bustamante, Juan Moya and Dwight Clark. The honorary pallbearer is Rebecca Lopez.

Kennie will be laid to rest with his dear family in Reform, Ala.

“Ken, you are going home!”

Sam F. Romero

1950-2025

Sam F. Romero, age 74, a resident of La Joya, passed away on May 25, 2025.

He was born in 1950 in Belen to his proud parents, Eliosim and Lucy Romero.

Services have been held.

He is survived by his father, Eliosim Romero; four children, Lynn, Joli, Shawn and Tim; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; brothers, Gerald, Edward and Peter Romero; sister, Teresa Romero Crook; and many nieces, nephews and bonus family members.

Sam was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend and a loved one. He was a Dodgers’ and Cowboys’ fan. So, for half of the year he was mad especially during the playoffs when both teams watched the games on the TV.

Sam lived most of his life in Albuquerque. His later years were spent in La Joya. Six years ago, he developed cancer. Too many of us have experienced a love one being diagnosed. If Sam were here today he would tell you to screen for cancer early and have regular checkups.

Please sign Sam’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Seferino Luciano Sanchez

1936-2025

Seferino Luciano Sanchez, age 88, passed into everlasting life on May 20, 2025.

He is welcomed into Heaven by his loving wife, Angelina 0. Sanchez; his parents, Seferino and Manuelita Sanchez; his siblings, Elosia, Dolores, Pauline, Johnny and Jerry; his in-laws, Daniel and Crisofora Olguin Ross, Ruben, Robert, Frankie, Ernest, Daniel, Abrianna, Aurelia and Florella.

Seferino leaves behind his daughter, Delfine (Anthony) Baca, and their children, Joshua (Rachel) and Micheal (Christine); son, Reno (Teresa) Sanchez, and their children, Lucas (Chris), Justin and Katherine. He will be missed by his 10 great-grandchildren, Nicolai (Valerie), Ceanna (Gabriel), Isaiah, Anthony, Angela, Juliana, Kayla, Sierra, Nicole and Isidro; great-great grandchildren, Violet, Ivy and Hayden. His surviving in-laws are Evelyn, Lucy, Viola (Steve) Perfie, Gloria, Sally, Tammy and Pete Wayne, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Seferino was born in Jarales. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1954 and received an honorable discharge in 1957. He met and married Angelina Olguin, and together they settled in Jarales and raised two beautiful children.

Seferino was an avid farmer along with a full-time job at Sandia Base.

Those who knew Seferino could depend on him. He worked hard to make the world a better place for his family and friends.

After retirement from Sandia Base, he continued farming and did so until his last dying breath. “Don’t forget to feed the cows!” He had so much to do but always found time to set up shop at the local flea market, where he made a little money, but mostly gained many friends.

Seferino will always be missed by all his family and friends. Please pray with us for Seferino until we are all reunited with Jesus in eternal life.

Services for Seferino will take place on Friday, June 20, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Visitation will take place at 9 a.m., followed by a rosary at 9:30 a.m. The Funeral Mass will then be celebrated at 10 a.m. Inurnment will immediately follow the mass at the Our Lady of Belen Memorial Garden.

Bearing his urn will be Joshua and Michael Baca.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

Michael Kirk Sawyer

1947-2025

Michael”Buzz” Kirk Sawyer, 78, of Los Lunas, passed away peacefully on Jan. 29, 2025.

Born in Alamosa, Colo., on Jan. 22, 1947, Michael grew up in Albuquerque’s South Valley and attended Rio Grande High School.

After high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy before dedicating his career to law enforcement. As a police officer with the Albuquerque Police Department, he served as a detective in the bomb squad, demonstrating his commitment to justice and his community. After retiring from the force, he continued to serve by sharing his expertise as a firearms instructor at the police academy.

Outside of his career, Michael had a passion for building model airplanes, a hobby that brought him great joy and patience.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Carol; his son, Christopher Sawyer (Mercy), of New York; his daughter, Jennifer Beachly (Matthew), of Oregon; his cherished grandchildren, Zane, Alec, Ona and Hart; and his great-granddaughter, Astrid.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be announced at a later date.

His dedication, service and love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service in Los Lunas.

Angelia Tafoya

1940-2025

Angelia Tafoya, age 84, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025.

Services to celebrate Angelia’s life will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in La Joya on Saturday, June 14, beginning with a visitation at 10 a.m., a Rosary at 11 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at La Joya Cemetery.

She was born in 1940 in La Joya. Angelia was the beloved daughter of Rafael and Balconides Tafoya. She dedicated much of her life to civil service, beginning her career with the Army Corps of Engineers in downtown Albuquerque. Angelia later served as an executive secretary at Kirtland Air Force Base, retiring after many years of faithful service.

A devout Catholic, Angelia was a member of both Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in La Joya and Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Albuquerque. Her deep faith was a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

Angelia enjoyed traveling, especially with her dear friend Arlene Padilla, and cherished time spent with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Eloy Tafoya; nephew, Daniel Tafoya; niece, Terry Tafoya; and sister-in-law, Cathy.

Angelia is survived by her sister, Josefita Tafoya; brothers, Rudy Tafoya, Phil Tafoya and wife Pauline, Sergio Tafoya, Rafael Tafoya Jr. and partner, Joann, and Fred Tafoya and wife, Deborah; nephews and nieces, Eloy Tafoya and partner Michelle, Chris Tafoya, Michael Tafoya, Jennifer Tafoya Trujillo and husband, Louis, Melissa Newman and husband, David, Natalie Tafoya and Paulette Tafoya; great-nephews, Vail Trujillo, Caleb Newman; great-nieces, Cherish Rael, Chyanne Real, Alexis Mirabal and Hilary Tafoya; and great-great-nieces, Ameyalli, and Allie.

Angelia will be remembered for her quiet strength, loving spirit, and dedication to her family and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Please sign Angelia’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.