Orlando Gurule Jr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Orlando F. Gurule Jr. On January 12, 2025, at the age of 62, while in the arms of his wife Linda, God called Orlando to his eternal home. Orlando was born on March 16, 1962, to Viola and Orlando Gurule Sr. He was raised in Rio Lucio and Grants, New Mexico.

He was a 1979 graduate of Penasco High School and retired from Los Alamos in 2002. Orlando started his boxing career at age 5 through age 21. He had professional boxing matches as far as Las Vegas, NV. He loved sports, he played basketball, softball and wrestled, in which he excelled at each. He was also a coach and referee. He was an avid hunter and loved being in his beloved Northern New Mexico mountains, year-round. In 1995, he met Linda, they married in 2000 and lived a loving and joyful life. She took care of Orlando with unwavering love and devotion throughout his good and bad days, during his 23 year battle. What he enjoyed the most was riding any one of his Harley’s, right alongside his beloved Linda. It was there that he was able to forget about the illnesses he endured. On his bikes, he could ride freely and feel free from the machines and his pain. One of his most commendable accomplishments was serving his beloved Penasco and surrounding communities. He was a Founding Father of Hogs and Heifers Motorcycle Club, in which he held close to his heart for the past 20 years. He held and excelled in the various executive positions in his tenure. He graciously helped children, youth and elderly, whether it be by mentorship, teaching how to ride a motorcycle, extending a listening ear or reaching out with a helping hand. He was very generous and gave selflessly of himself to his family and surrounding communities and counties. 

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, who helped raise him, Felix and Sinforosa Joseph, paternal grandparents, Querino and Clofes Gurule, father, Orlando Gurule Sr., sister in law, Leona Fernandez, brother in laws, Alan Mark Dominguez and Danny Esquibel, father and mother in law, Manuel Sr. and Bernardita Dominguez, his nephew/Godson, who he loved as his own, Joseph “JoJo” Gurule, along with many other family and friends who touched his life and greeted him at heavens gates.

Those who are left to mourn him are, his loving wife of 25 years, Linda, son Felix, granddaughter Serenity, mother and step father, Viola and Reuben Salazar, brother/best friend Joseph and Sandra Gurule, sister, who he loved as a daughter, Julie Gurule (Leroy), nieces and nephews, Alicia Cordova, Alexis and Albert Martinez, Joshua Gurule, Danny and Kaitlyn Gurule, 6 great nieces and nephews, brothers in law, Manuel Dominguez Jr. (Frances), Juan & Sharon Dominguez, James and Lucy Dominguez, sisters in law, Idene Lopez, Rufina Muniz and Arnalda Dominguez (Jose Sanchez), along with 20 nieces/nephews, 27 great nieces/nephews and 8 great great nieces/nephews, David Lopez, his closest friend, who was like a son to him, who helped take care of him in a compassionate manner for several years. Various other family and friends, along with his cherished cats and dogs.

As we celebrate Orlando’s life, let us strive to emulate to live as he did, with compassion, kindness, forgiveness and love for humans and animals in our hearts.

Rosary will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 6:00 pm at De Vargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 am at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Penasco, NM. Burial to follow at Rio Lucio Cemetery.

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