George A Tapia

George Anthony Tapia, born May 12, 1945 in Palma, NM passed away on March 28, 2009 at the V.A. Medical Center in Albuquerque surrounded by his wife and his family. George attended schools in Santa Rosa graduating from Santa Rosa High School in 1965. He served in the United States Army from 1967 until 1969. He served in Vietnam where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star. At the time of his honorable discharge George was a specialist 5th Class. He attended Highlands University in 1965-66, Luna Vocational Technical Institute in 1977-78 where he received his degree in Electronics. George also sold insurance and was a car dealer and manager. George married Alicia Silva on January 3, 1968 in Santa Rosa where they lived until they made their home in Albuquerque in 1981. George loved building walls, water fountains, landscaping, wood work and especially nicknaming friends and relatives. He raised animals and enjoyed ranch life and the great outdoors. He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Manuel Tapia, Ernest Tapia and Albert Tapia. Survivors include his wife Alicia of the family home in Albuquerque, three daughters, Dianna Lucero and husband Craig of Albuquerque; Anna Trujillo and husband Danny of Rio Rancho; Jackie Serrano and husband Jose of Albuquerque; two sons, Wayne Tapia of Phoenix, AZ; Michael Tapia of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Timothy Baca, Anthony Lucero, Christina Lucero, Mariah Lucero, Amanda Lovato, Audra Lovato and Lucas Serrano. Also surviving are six sisters, Rose Koroneos and husband Jimmy of Santa Fe; Susie Kuntz and husband Leonard of Albuquerque; Ann Tafoya and husband Ted of Santa Rosa; Elizabeth Montoya and husband Art of Rio Rancho; Dorothy Arteche and husband David of Rio Rancho; Sally Saiz of Santa Rosa; two brothers, Tommy Tapia and wife Doris of Santa Rosa; Paul Tapia and wife Juanita of Clovis and sisters in law Sylvia Tapia and Carol Tapia. Rosary services will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 7:00 pm from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 3, at 11:00 am also from St. Rose Church with Father Nick Nichols officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Timothy Baca, Tommy Tapia, Paul Tapia, Jose Serrano, Mark Tapia and Phillip Sierra. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be; Danny Trujillo, James Cordova, Jr., and his grandchildren. All services are under the direction of the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. (575) 472-3369. To sign the guest book or place an online tribute please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com