Edward David “Duda” Duda

Edward David Duda (Duda)

May 1, 1949 – January 11, 2025

Edward David Duda, age 75, a beloved resident of Española, New Mexico, went home to be with our Lord on Saturday, January 11, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. Born on May 1, 1949, in Oakland, California, Edward lived a life defined by love, resilience, and dedication to his community.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Edward B. Duda and Clorinda G. Duda; grandparents, Antonio and Estephanita Guillen; sisters, Constance Duda Martinez and Susan Duda Portis; an infant brother, George Duda; mother-in-law, Domitila “Tila” Archuleta; father-in-law, Amado Archuleta; sister-in-law, Amadita “Amy” Sanchez; and brother-in-law, Patricio Archuleta.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Eleanor M. Duda; his children: Desiree Duda Gomez and husband Alex Gomez of Española, Pamela Duda of Phoenix, and Neil Duda of Alcalde. He is also survived by his sister, Marie Duda of Alcalde; his cherished grandchildren: Jonathan Duda, whom he raised as a son, Dezmond Gomez, Eliana Gomez, Estelle Cerezo and husband Frankie, Jordan Vigil, and Layah Vigil; and great-grandchildren: Nathalia and King Cerezo, as well as Sophia, Avery, and Kylie Vigil.

Additionally, he leaves behind his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Agripiana Martinez and husband William of Embudo, Adonais Archuleta and wife Joann of Española, Orlinda Alewine and husband Carlton of Dixon, Rudy Archuleta of Dixon, Lucy Ann Archuleta of Alcalde, Celso Archuleta and husband Gus “Diego” of Dixon, and Frances Archuleta and companion Jose Valdez of Dixon; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly. 

Edward dedicated his life to serving his community. He worked as a road superintendent for Rio Arriba County for 22 years, contributed to the New Mexico State Highway Department, and pioneered their anti-graffiti crew. He concluded his career as the Public Works Director for the City of Española, a role in which he suffered a life-altering brain injury. Despite his challenges, Edward courageously fought and lived with his condition for 25 years, leaving an enduring legacy of strength and determination.

Edward cherished life’s simple joys, from driving his wife Eleanor to and from work to taking his grandson Jonathan to school. He loved forming connections and was known for his humor, kindness, and karate moves, even forming a group of friends affectionately called the “Chingys.” A man of immense warmth, Edward greeted everyone with a smile and left lasting impressions on people of all ages. He was a beacon of positivity in the Rio Arriba community and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Edward Duda’s heart of gold and loving spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

A public viewing will take place at 5:00pm on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in the Sangre De Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM, with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at St Ann's Catholic Church in Alcalde NM, at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.  Burial will follow at the La Villita Cemetery in Alcalde, NM.

Serving as Pallbearers: Jonathan Duda, Julian Martinez, Kyle Duda, Jason Duda, Travis Portis, Tyrone Portis, Jerek Duda, Jordan Duda, and Lito Vasquez. 

Honorary Pallbearers: The late George Maestas, the late Horace Martinez, the late Joe Martinez, as well as his beloved grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The family of Edward David Duda “Duda” has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477.