Albert "Tony" Maez

Albert (Tony) Maez, 71, a resident of La Mesilla, passed away on October 17, 2022, after a lengthy illness.  He was preceded in death by his parents: Abe and Frances Maez and his mother-in-law, Celia Vasquez and a number of other loved ones.  He is survived by his wife, Anna Maez of the family home.  Children: Greta Maez and companion Michael McKnight of Santa Fe, Abelina Griego and husband Antonio of Amarillo, Texas, Emelia Maestas and husband Dominic of La Puebla, Albert Antonio Maez II and companion Nicole Sutherland of Chamita and Alicia Maez and companion Neil Baca of La Mesilla.  Siblings include Marshall Maez of Albuquerque, Tina Lujan and husband Rudy of La Mesilla, David Maez, Imelda (Kiki) Maez both of La Mesilla.  Six grandchildren, one great grandchild with second on the way. Father-in-law Leo Vasquez of Santa Fe.  Numerous nieces and nephews, brothers and sister-in-law, friends, neighbors and many loved ones.

Tony will be most remembered for his big heart and helping hand.  He was born to Abel and Frances Maez on August 25, 1951.  His loyalty to his family and country will be remembered by us all.  He loved having his horses, working cows, going for wood, hunting and planting/working his vegetable garden but it all came second to him spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He made a living turning wrenches.  He served 20 years in US Army, two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic.  After retiring from the Army, he continued working on Mud-boggers or everyday commuter vehicles.  His leadership skills shined through during his 18 years supporting the Southwest Areas Interagency Wildland Fire Teams as a Ground Support Unit Leader as a seasonal hire through the US Forest Service.

Serving as pallbearers Antonio Maez, Dominik Maestas, Blair Griego, Nathan Maez, Santiago Hernandez, Greg Richardson, Joe Madrid and Victor Bustos.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 3:00 pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, New Mexico.  Interment ceremonies will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 1:00 pm with military honors at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contribution be made to:                                                                                               Rio Arriba 4H Club                                                                                                                                                                          HCR Box 9                                                                                                                                                                                  Abiquiu, NM  87510

The family of Tony Maez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   www.devargasfuneral.com  505.747.7477