Max J. Lucero

Max J. Lucero, 79, a resident of Espanola, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, peacefully surrounded by his family at home, after many years of dealing with severe medical problems. He was born and raised in Alamosa, Colorado. He will be missed by all who held him close to their hearts. Max was an incredible man, who brought a smile upon everyone’s face with his sense of humor. There wasn’t a time you could be sad around Max. He could crack jokes just about anything. He enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was fishing, camping, or just being able to spend time with his loved ones. His favorite spot was South Fork and Creede, Colorado. It became a summer tradition with his family to go enjoy nature. In his free time, he also enjoyed being with his friends on his favorite gambling machine, (The Lotus Flower), at the Santa Claran Casino. Max was a dedicated, and hardworking man. For many years, he owned Lucero’s Country Store where he was a meat cutter and owned American Janitorial Enterprises with his wife Samantha Lucero. For many years, he missed his beloved wife, who heartbreakingly passed away years back. He would talk about how he couldn’t wait to see her again. I know they are dancing together in heaven right now. Above all, Max was a giving soul, who always made sure everyone was taken care of no matter the circumstances. It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love dearly. So instead, let us say “see you later.” 

Max was preceded in death by his wife, Samantha F. Lucero of Espanola; his parents, Elsie and Max Lucero of Espanola; his grandparents, Amarante and Beneranda Martinez of Sanford, Co, and many more relatives and friends. 

Max was survived by his children, Melissa J. Montoya of Espanola, NM, John M. Lucero of Santa Fe, NM, Linda I. Gooch and husband Cary of Hugoton, KS, Marie E. Hayes and husband Bennie of Hutchinson, KS, Jeff Riley of Durango, CO; his sisters, Connie, Angela, Barbara, and Bernadine Lucero; his grandchildren, Samantha Montoya, Amanda Lucero, Kristen Trujillo, Chelsea Lovato, Jonathan, Joelle, and Jocelyn Lucero, Holly Grubbs, Jeremy Landis, Brian Gooch, Andrew, Allen, and Aaron Wuthnow, Kyle, Alex, and Isabella Riley; his great-grandchildren, Peyton, and Adam Martinez, Nehemiah Lucero, Lauren, and Aria Trujillo, Tobias, Clayton, and Alivia Grubbs, Lily, and Jeremy Landis, Adrian, and Avri Wuthnow, Tristyn Bechtold, April, and Alexander Wuthnow, and many other relatives and friends. 

A rosary will begin on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 10 a.m. with a mass to be recited at 11:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Burial to follow at Rosario Cemetery in Santa Fe at 1:30 p.m. We ask that you bring black or blue balloons for the balloon release after his burial at the grave site. We welcome all our family and friends to join us for our last meal with Max, in celebration of his arrival into heaven. We will announce location and time for meal after services. 

The family of Max J. Lucero has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com