Albert Tapia

Albert Tapia, age 58, passed away September 9, 2008 at the University Hospital in Albuquerque. Albert was born February 27, 1950 in Palma, NM to the home of Jose Reyes and Valeria (Romero) Tapia. He was reared and attended schools in Santa Rosa. Albert served in the United States Army from 1969 through 1971 and received the National Defense Service Medal. He worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for various construction companies. Albert was a thrill seeker; he loved riding motorcycles and his bicycle. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish. Albert is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Manuel Tapia, Ernest Tapia and a nephew Geno Chavez. Survivors include his daughter; Corinthia "Pepper" Tapia and husband Frank Rubio of Santa Fe; a son Jose Reyes and family of Pueblo, CO, a grandson Andrew Reyes Romero. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters; Rose Koroneos and husband Jimmy of Santa Fe; Susie Kuntz and husband Leonard of Albuquerque; Ann Tafoya and husband Ted of Santa Rosa; Tommy Tapia and wife Doris of Santa Rosa; George Tapia and wife Alice of Albuquerque; Paul Tapia and wife Juanita of Clovis; Elizabeth Montoya and husband Art of Rio Rancho; Dorothy Arteche and husband David of Rio Rancho and Sally Saiz of Santa Rosa, sister in law; Sylvia Tapia of Albuquerque as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held on Friday, September 12, at 7:00 PM from Chavez Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 13, at 11:00 AM from St. Rose of Lima Church with Father Steve Sanchez officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Richard Blea, Patrick Pacheco, Rex Lucero, Frank Rubio, Frank Tenorio and Daniel Tapia. Serving as Honorary Pallbearer will be Andrew Romero. A special thanks to all the Santa Rosa City and County Emergency response personnel and the University of New Mexico Trauma, ICU and Neuroscience Units. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. www.chavezfuneralhome.com