Bernie C. Archuleta

Bernie C. Archuleta, died peacefully at his home at the age of 63, on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his father Salomon Archuleta; brother Michael Lucero; sister Dionicia “Donna” Valdez; brother-in-law Michael Valdez; and niece Michelle Faith Valdez.

He is survived by his three daughters: Deanna, Rochelle, and Tracyanna Archuleta, his grandchildren: Aiden, Danica, Dyani, Denae, Ella, Landyn, Mother Veroniz Archuleta, who he loved very much, close brother and best friend Robert “Bobby” Archuleta, brother Randy Archuleta, sisters Pauline Ortiz (Paul), Melissa Coronado (Oscar), his two nephews who he thought of as his own children, Robert “Josh” Archuleta (Cherilyn), Godson Jacob Archuleta, Kenneth ”Josh” Lucero who he raised as a son, and his two children: Trinity Lucero, Jonathan Lucero and many other family and friends that he truly cherished.

Bernie Archuleta, or as most people knew him as “Capiro or Caps,” was born in Santa Fe and raised in El Rito, New Mexico. He graduated from Mesa Vista High School. He then married and lived with his former wife Elaine Archuleta, in El Rito, New Mexico, where they raised their children. He spent most of his career working for Rio Arriba County Roads Department; ultimately retiring as a supervisor for Santa Fe County Roads Department, he was one heck of a heavy equipment operator.

Bernie loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, horse racing, moving or branding cows with the boys, and getting wood in “La Sierra”.

After retirement, he passionately painted oldies and cherished his 58’ Impala. He enjoyed cruising his 58’ wearing his bandana with Camaradas: late Ross Lopez, Jerry Martinez “Chuckberry” and Donald Alire. He took pride in washing, waxing, and prepping his car for car shows. He placed and won many prizes with his car.

Bernie will always be remembered for his love, generosity, and kindness. He’ll be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in our hearts forever. 

The Family of Bernie Archuleta would like to invite family and friends to gather at 4:30pm on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM, for a procession leaving at 5:00pm to San Juan Nepomuceno Catholic Church in El Rito, NM, where a Rosary will take place at 6:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, April 11, 2025, at San Juan Nepomuceno Catholic Church in El Rito, NM, at 10:00am.

Along the side of this cowboy as pallbearers will be Aiden Ortiz, Robert “Josh” Archuleta, Jacob Archuleta, Bobby Archuleta, Randy Archuleta, Zachary Sisemore, Cedric Patterson, Steve Archuleta, Anthony “Georgie” Trujillo, Gabe Martinez, Jerry Martinez and Donald Alire. Honorary pallbearers are Joshua Archuleta, Sierra Archuleta, Caleb Archuleta, Logan Archuleta, Pancho Sena, Daniel Campos, Eric Salazar and comadre Lilly Archuleta.

The family of Bernie Archuleta have entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477