Pedro (Pete) Tapia

Pedro (Pete) Jesus Tapia, a lifelong resident of Santa Fe, passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on Tuesday, December 20, 2016. Pedro J. Tapia was preceded in death by his son, Peter John Tapia; mother Casimira; brothers, William and Pilo, sisters, Lou, Kenny, and Tilly. Pedro Tapia lived a remarkable and honorable life. At 16 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served proudly and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Upon returning home, he met and fell in love with his beautiful wife Viola who never left his side during his long battle with illness. Pedro went on to become a correctional officer with the New Mexico State Penitentiary. In 1965, he started an amazing and rewarding career in the Santa Fe Fire Department, where he worked until 1974. In 1974, he transferred to the Los Alamos Fire Department under the Atomic Energy Commission. With born leadership skills and sharp intelligence, he held nearly every rank in the fire service including Firefighter, Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief. Honor, respect and integrity were the rules by which he lived by. Pedro was a true Marine until the day of his passing. He retired from the Los Alamos County Fire Department in 1995, with thirty years put into the fire service. Pedro was a proud member of the following organizations: The Disabled Veterans of America, Fraternal Order of  Eagles, Fraternal Order of Police, Veterans of Foreign Wars, honorary member of The Caballeros DeVargas and the American Legion, up until very recently, and even while ill, Pedro enjoyed singing karaoke which was enjoyed by all. Pedro is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Viola M. Tapia; loving son, Patrick and wife Anita, loving son Paul with girlfriend Jill and Matthew, and his grandchildren Patrick, Jovonne, Alissa and Sofia whom he adored. He is also survived by brother, Eloy Tapia and wife Angie, sisters, Stella Gonzales, Eliza Romero, Mida Sanchez and Husband Joe, and Joann Robins and husband George. Special Thanks to his sister Mida Sanchez, family friend Vince Gutierrez, Home Health Nurse Bryan Romkey, nephew Marcos Tapia, and the entire Christus St. Vincent’s 2100 and 3100 staff and all other employees who became close with Pedro, for their help and support. A very special thanks to his two sons Patrick and Paul Tapia, and his grandson Patrick, Jerome Tapia whom never left their father and grandfather’s side. Pedro had at least one of these family members with him 24 hours during the duration of his illness. Pete Tapia was adored by his entire family because of the Example he set for them. A rosary will be recited on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Santa Fe. Memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. also at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Santa Fe, with a burial to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. The family of Pedro (Pete) Jesus Tapia has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com

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