Florencio S. Gutierrez, Jr.

Florencio S. Gutierrez, Jr. (88) of Rio Rancho, NM passed away on March 27, 2025 with family at his side.

He was born on June 20, 1936 in Puerto De Luna, NM to Florencio Gutierrez, Sr. and Lucinda (Salazar) Gutierrez. Florencio graduated from Santa Rosa High School where he played on the winning 1955 and 1956 Santa Rosa Lions NM Boys State Basketball Championship teams.

Following high school, Florencio served in both the U.S. Air Force and the NM Air National Guard. In addition to his military service, he had a long career working for Navajo Freight Lines and then ABF Freight until his retirement. Florencio remained an active member of American Legion Post 49 for over five decades.

Florencio’s hobbies kept him busy in his long and healthy retirement. His interests included cultivating fruit trees both at home and at the family farm in Puerto De Luna. He remained a passionate basketball fan throughout his life and looked forward to March Madness each year. He also kept busy walking his dogs at the Petroglyphs and spending time at the casino. Florencio stayed active throughout his life; he enjoyed the opportunity to dance at fiestas and weddings and even conquered the Pikes Peak Ascent in a time of 5:37:36 at age 61.

His children and grandchildren were a central and meaningful part of his life. He made a point to attend their many events and activities from swim meets, track meets, trail races and volleyball games to concerts and dance recitals. Florencio was especially proud to attend high school and college graduations, and religious ceremonies.

Florencio and Oma, his wife of 65 years, were fortunate to travel widely across the United States, Mexico, and Europe.

Florencio is survived by his wife, Oma (Luna) Gutierrez, their three children and five grandchildren.

Funeral services for Florencio will be Friday, April 11, 2025 at 11AM at Nuestra Señora Del Refugio Catholic Church in Puerto De Luna, with Father Jacob Romero officiating.

Interment will follow at El Calvario Cemetery, in Puerto De Luna.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369.