Delfinio Tapia Sr.

Delfinio Tapia Sr.
06/09/26 – 03/08/17

Delfinio Tapia Sr., 90, was called home by our Heavenly Father on March 8, 2017 while surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years; Lucy S. Tapia, daughter; Maria “Tina” Tapia-Martinez, grandson; Francisco Martinez, great granddaughter; Bernadette Chavez, his parents; Pedro Tapia and Anita Tapia Larranaga; paternal parents; Jose y Cesaria Tapia, brothers; Ramon Tapia and Gilbert “Ecco” Larranaga, sisters; Juanita Montoya, Mary Larranaga and Esther Larranaga, tios; Antonio Tapia, Miguel Tapia, Fedrico Tapia, Clofes Romero. He is survived by his children; Gloria Herrera (Richard), Eliza Chavez, Connie Gabaldon, Vivian Romero (Ben), Delfinio Tapia Jr., and Leonard Tapia (Allegra), sisters; Mary Lou Sandoval, Eloisa Couty (Fred), Libby Martinez (Anthony), Charlotte Holtzclaw, brothers; Joe Larranaga (Mary), Tony Larranaga and Tommy Larranaga also numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins and tias Rosarito Marquez and Lucy Romero. Pallbearers: JoAnna Jimenez, Teresa Herrera, Tracy Chavez, Mary Sena (Maria Pacheco), Antoinette Cordova, Martina Sena, Virginia Sena, Loretta Gabaldon, Anita Hernandez, Erika Quintana, Amanda Tapia, Vanessa Tapia, Cassandra Tapia and Reina Tapia. Honorary Pallbearers: Delfinio Tapia Jr., Leonard Tapia, Adrian Chavez Jr., Maximo Herrera, Daniel Herrera, Richard Herrera, Ben Romero, Fred Tapia Jr., Joe Romero, Tony Quintana, Flora Quintana, Gertrude Santana, Louie Marquez, Santos Montoya, Alex Sandoval and all his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Services: Thursday March 16th Viewing 5:30pm at Rivera Family Funeral Home, Rosary 7:30pm St. Anne’s Parish, Friday March 17th Funeral Mass 11:00am St. Anne’s Parish, reception to follow immediately at FOP followed by Burial at San Antonio Cemetery in Los Cabos/ Tapia, NM with his beloved wife Lucy Tapia.

Delfinio was born and raised in Tapia, NM. He was a true cowboy. He loved the ranch way of life and he longed to return to his home land. He met and married his wife Lucy, moved to Santa Fe to raise their family. Grandpa was a man who loved his Lord and his family. He was always so happy to be in the company of his family, he was proud of his legacy of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. He loved to point out which of his family members inherited any of his features like his nose, his ears or the color of his eyes. Never shy to tear up the dance floor, he loved dancing the polka with his wife Lucy. They were always such a joy to watch! Grandpa was very generous, never let you leave empty handed after spending time with him. His favorite thing to hand out to anyone who crossed his path was a butter cookie or nilla wafer. 90 years is such a wonderful amount of time to have with a loved one, but it seems like it all came and went too fast. Losing you grandpa will never be easy to accept, but we are grateful and blessed to have had you in our lives for so long! Until we are together again, rest in peace, grandpa. We love you!



The family of Delfinio Tapia Sr. would like to thank the staff of Casa Real nursing home for taking such great care of our Beloved dad/grandpa during his time there. Thank you for loving him and for all your support during this difficult time. Know that you all had a special place in Delfinio’s heart. The family would like to also thank the support and care team of the Hospice staff that cared for him during his time in the hospital. Your kind words, love and understanding means a lot to the family. Thank you for all that you do.