Robert Valdez

ROBERT E. VALDEZ,   a current resident of Chimayo, formerly of El Rito, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2018 of a sudden medical episode that occurred on Thursday, January 4, 2018 during an auto accident. Robert was born on August 16, 1946, the eldest child of Margarito Celestino Valdez and Ascension Valdez. He later was joined by 3 brothers and 2 sisters. On December 31, 1991, he joined in holy matrimony with his wife, Angelina (Angie) Armijo Valdez. Robert is survived by his wife, Angie; mother Ascension Valdez; two devoted sisters, Mildred Valdez and Connie Valdez; his daughters, Angeline (Angie) Martinez and husband Derwin Martinez; Caroline (Carol) Valdez and her significant other, Fernando Andrade; and Margarita DelaRosa and husband, Alejandro (Lalo) DelaRosa; a sister-in-law, Viola Chavez; niece, Valerie Chavez and companion Rick Martinez; a Godson who he loved to eternity and back Alejandro Martinez; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and his fur babies, Lili, Mia and Tiger. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Margarito Celestino Valdez; brothers, baby Jerry Valdez, Jerry Valdez and Margarito Benny Valdez by his father in law Flavio M. Armijo and his mother in law Josefina M. Armijo; by his paternal grandparents Salvador Valdez and Beneranda Valdez; maternal grandparents, Silviano Martinez and Gregorita Martinez; a close and loving brother in law Ernesto M. Chavez; a loving nephew Danny Chavez; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Robert was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 18. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He came home having received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle, along with several other medals. He was very proud of being in the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles and, that he was a gunner on a Huey. That’s where he honed in on his shooting skills. He joined the New Mexico Army National Guard and served there for 20 years, also earning medals and commendations. Robert worked with the Department of Energy as a Security Police Officer and with the Los Alamos Fire Department. He returned to the Security force and left on October 2005. Robert then started attending the Spanish Colonial Woodworking class until the class shut down in El Rito. Robert was very talented and humble with his work. Robert and Angie became donors for the McCurdy School gala and the Holy Cross Catholic Church gala. Robert with his furniture and Angie with her retablos on boards Robert carved for her. Something he loved doing. Robert was a quiet man, but when he spoke you better listen. Robert was truly a man of his word and never said no when asked for help. His devotion to his mother and wife was over the top. When his wife’s physical health started dwindling, he became her caregiver with lots of love, attention and devotion. Public Visitation will begin on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Peace of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the San Juan Nepomuceno Catholic Church in El Rito, with a burial to follow at 2:15 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Robert’s pallbearers will be his friends from the National Guard, Floyd Martinez and James (Jamie) Martinez; his hunting buddy, Levie Archuleta; two grandsons, Nathan Montoya and Isaac Martinez and his Godson, Alejandro Martinez. The eulogy will be given by cousin Paul Fresquez, honorary pallbearers are Gabriel Montoya Jr., Nicholas Martinez, Marcus Montoya, Francisco Montoya, Amanda Aragon, Carmela Miller Martinez, Kassandra Martinez, Aiden DelaRosa, and Addison DelaRosa. The family of Robert E. Valdez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com