Obituaries

FYI … We have had 24 AFD FireFighter retirees pass away so far in 2024 … If you are able and have not yet done so, please help AFDRA with a donation (any amount will help) … Our AFDRA Honor Guard has performed in an outstanding professional manner and has required AFDRA to dry clean uniforms… Please make your Tax-Free Donation to AFD Retirees Association …A special “Thank You” goes out to our AFD Retirees that have stepped up and sent us a donation … Much needed and much appreciated … Every little bit helps …

Welfare Report

AFDRA Honor Guard
AFDRA Honor Guard “Striking the Four Fives”

Richard Padilla

We were recently informed that AFD Retiree Richard A. Padilla had passed on 8/16/24 … 

Richard joined AFD on 3/19/1973 (22nd Cadet Class) and retired on 8/27/1990 … Richard was a Vietnam Veteran and his interment was at Santa Fe National Cemetery … We have reached out to the Padilla family and have expressed our sincere sympathy … 

FYI … As of 11/18/24 we have had 24 deaths in 2024 … Since we formed The AFD Retiree Association in 2000, we have had 232 AFD Retiree deaths … I encourage all our members to stay involved with AFDRA and to please let your family know to reach us in case of an emergency … 

Reminder to visit AFDRA @ www.afdretirees.com 

Questions ????   … call Kerry @ 934-2969  /     Sam @ 400-3644 

Ignacio Perez

Our Brother AFD Retiree Ignacio ‘Nacho” Perez passed away on 10/29/24 … Ignacio was 84 years old and he joined AFD on 3/9/1964 (6th AFD Cadet Class) … Ignacio retired on 4/3/1984 … Ignacio has a son that is with White Sands Fire Department … The Perez Family has requested a Fire Fighter Funeral … Please keep the Perez family in your thoughts and prayers … 

Funeral Services are as follows:

11/14/24 … Rosary @ 1900 (7 pm) at The French Funeral Home ( 1111 University NE ) …

                    ( Visitation @1800 [6pm])

11/15/24 … Funeral Mass @ 1000 … St. Charles Borromeo Church (1818 Coal SE) …

Interment will follow at Sandia Memory Gardens (9500 San Pedro NE)  … 

AFDRA “Resolution of Condolence “ will be read following the Rosary  …

AFDRA Honor Guard will “Stand Vigil” at the Rosary and prior to Funeral Mass …

AFDRA Honor Guard will “Strike The Four Fives” at graveside … 

Questions ????   … call Kerry @ 934-2969   /   Sam @ 400-3644 

Phillip Candelaria

We were recently notified that Our Brother, AFD Retiree  Phillip ” Phil” Candelaria  passed away on Sunday October 6th, 2024 at the age of 68 … Phil had been fighting Cancer for several years … Phil joined AFD on 2/5/1982  (34th AFD Cadet Class)  and he retired on 6/25/2002 … Phil was the son of Tomas Candelaria who retired from AFD in 1983 … 

The family requested a Fire Fighter Funeral … Funeral Services for Our Brother AFD Retiree Phillip M. “Phil” Candelaria were held as follows : 

Thursday October 24th @ 1300 … A  “Celebration of Life” Memorial Service took place at Los Altos Golf Course Banquet Facility (9717 Copper NE) … Interment will occur at a later date at Santa Fe National Cemetery … 

AFDRA Honor Guard  “Stood Vigil” and  “Struck The Four Fives” at the Memorial Service … AFDRA Members also read “The Resolution of Condolence”  … 

Please keep the Candelaria family in thought and prayer … 

Francisco Ulibarri

Today we were notified that Our Brother AFD Retiree Francisco Ulibarri passed away on 9/23/24 …  Francisco joined AFD on 6/1/1960 and he retired on 5/31/1987 … Francisco was a lieutenant with 27 years of service to AFD … Francisco was 89 years old … Francisco was the father of AFD Retiree Steve Ulibarri ( 47th AFD Cadet Class ) … Francisco was also a Veteran of the US Air Force … Please keep the Ulibarri family in thought and in prayer … 

Services were held on 10/9/24 at the  French Funeral Home (10500 Lomas Blvd. NE) with a “Celebration of Life” starting at 1000 … Interment will occur at The Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date … 

AFDRA  Honor Guard  “Stood Vigil” and they  “Struck The Four Fives” at the “Celebration of Life ” ceremony … AFD Retirees also Read “The Resolution of Condolence” at that time … 

James R. Baca

The AFDRA was informed that Our Brother AFD Retiree James R. Baca passed away on Sunday September 8th, 2024, … James “Jimmy” Baca joined AFD on 6/29/1961 and he retired on 12/31/1983 … James was also a Veteran of The US Army … Please keep The Baca family in thought and prayer and our Sincere Condolences are extended to The Baca Family …

Services were held as follows :

9/19/24 (Thursday) @ 1700 (5pm)… A Rosary took place at French Funeral Home located at 1111 University NE (Lomas & Carlisle) …

9/27/24 Internment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery (time of service is not available at this time) …

AFDRA Honor Guard will “Stood Vigil” prior to the Rosary, and they “Struck The Four Fives” following The Reading of “The AFDRA Resolution of Condolence”

Questions ????… call Kerry @ 934-2969 or Sam @ 400-3644

Brandon Maus

The AFDRA is sad to announce we were able to confirm the loss of Our Brother AFD Retiree Brandon Maus who passed away on 4/14/2024 … Brandon Joined AFD on 9/2/1986 (42nd AFD Cadet Class) and he retired on 8/16/2005 … Brandon was living in Northern NM (Navajo Dam area) … We were not notified of his passing and Memorial Services at that time.

Gilbert Escarcida

Today (6/6/24) we were notified that Our Brother AFD Retiree Gilbert Escarcida passed away on 5/26/24… Gilbert was part of the AFD Cadet Class # 30th … Gilbert joined AFD on 6/19/1978 and he retired on 6/19/98 … Please keep the Escarcida family in thought / prayers … The family requested a FireFighter Funeral … Funeral Services for Gilbert Escarcida were held as follows … The Rosary was held on Thursday 7/18/24 @ 1900 (7pm) at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church  and  the Funeral mass was held on Friday 7/19/24 @ 1000 am at Queen of Heaven (5311 phoenix NE) …  …

Frank Cisneros

The AFDRA is sad to announce that AFD Retiree Frank Cisneros passed away on 5/29/24 …Frank Cisneros joined AFD on 11/1/1955 and he retired on 7/22/1983 … Frank was also a Korean War Veteran … Frank was 89 years old …Frank was the brother of AFD Retiree Robert CisnerosA Family Funeral Service was held on July 19, 2024. Please keep the Cisneros family in your thoughts and prayers.

David R. Herrera

AFD Retiree David R. Herrera passed away last night (5/30/24) …David Herrera joined AFD on 5/22/1989 (AFD 47th Cadet Class) and he retired on 4/28/2011 …David was 58 years old and had been under medical care for job related cancer …David was the son of AFD Retiree Johnny Herrera, the family has requested a Fire Fighter Funeral …Funeral Services for Our Brother AFD Retiree David Herrera were held on July 18, 2024 … The Funeral Services were held at Calvary Church (4001 Osuna NE) … The Funeral  Services were held at 1100 am with a reception that followed… Internment followed The Memorial Services at Sandia Memory Gardens (9500 San Pedro NE) … The “Resolution of Condolence” was read during the memorial service and the AFDRA Honor guard “Struck the Four Fives”at graveside.

Marcus Byrne

We were informed that Our Brother AFD Retiree Marcus (“Tio – Teao ) Byrne passed away on 5/18/2024 … Marcus joined AFD on 9/26/1960 and he retired on 7/1/1981 … Marcus was a Chief’s Driver for many years …  Marcus was also a US Navy Veteran … The family has reached out asking for a fire Fighters Funeral …

A “Celebration of Life ” Memorial Service was held on 5/28/24 @ 1700 (5pm) at French Funeral Home (Lomas & Eubank NE) … AFDRA Members read the “Resolution of Condolence” at that time … AFDRA Honor Guard  “Stood Vigil “prior to the Services and they “Struck The Four Fives” at the end of the services …

Abel Coronado

With much sadness, the AFDRA reports the loss of our AFD brother Abel Coronado. We were notified that Our Brother AFD Retiree Abel Coronado passed away on 5/12/24 ... Abel joined AFD on 3/9/1964 and he retired on 12/27/1986 …Abel was part of the AFD 6th Cadet Class, and he retired as a lieutenant in Fire Suppression … Abel was a Veteran as well … The family has requested a fire Fighter Funeral …

A “Celebration of Life” Memorial Service was held on 5/29/24 @ 1600 at French Funeral Home (Lomas & Eubank NE) …Our AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” and “Struck The Four Fives” at The service … AFDRA Members also read “The Resolution of Condolence ” at the memorial service… Internment will take place at Fort Sumner at a later date …

Dale Noblitt

With much sadness, the AFDRA reports the loss of our AFD brother Dale Noblitt. Dale passed away on 5/14/24 Dale joined AFD on 5/14/1958 and he retired on 7/1/1985 … Dale was a Lieutenant assigned to the Paramedic Division and had worked in Dispatch (Alarm Room) for many years … Dale’s family has also requested a Fire Fighter Funeral …

A “Celebration of Life” Memorial was held for Our Brother AFD Retiree Dale Noblitt on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 1700 -1900 … The event took place at The Moose Lodge (2121 Edith NE) … Dale’s daughters invited AFD Retirees to join them in honoring their father …AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” and “Struck The Four Fives” as AFDRA “Resolution of Condolence” was read during the services …

Chuck Valdez

We are sad to report the passing of our brother Chuck Valdez. We were informed that there was a family viewing on Tuesday 5/14/24 from 1800 – 2000 at Strong-Thorne Mortuary / Life Events Center (1100 Coal SE)  … This event preceded the cremation  and Funeral Service that was scheduled for June 4th, 2024. The family invited Chucks Fire Family to attend the viewing … 

Funeral Services for Our Brother AFD Retiree Charles “Chuck” Valdez were held as follows :

A memorial service was held on June 4, 2024. (Tuesday) @ 1030 am at Second Presbyterian Church (812 Edith NE) … Interment followed on Wednesday, June 5 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery @ 1230 pm.

“The AFDRA Resolution of Condolence” was read during the Memorial Service …AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” prior to the Funeral Memorial Services and “Struch The Four Fives” at the end of the Memorial Service …

John Elwell

John Elwell passed away today, (4/19/2024)

A Rosary was held at Holy Family Church, 562 Atrisco Dr SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, on Sunday, April 28th, at 3:00 PM. 

Mass was held on Monday, April 29th, at 9:00 AM. Burial was at Mt. Calvary, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE,  immediately following Mass.

He joined AFD on February 14th, 1956, and retired on February 24th, 1984 as a Lieutenant. Please keep Brother Elwell and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
For questions please call Kerry at 505-934-2969

Jose Montoya

Jose “Joe Pete” Montoya passed away today (4/19/2024) as well. Joe Pete joined AFD on December 17th, 1973 as a member of the 24th Cadet Class, and retired December 29th, 1993. Joe Pete retired as a Lieutenant, and has had numerous relatives carrying on the family tradition as members of AFD/AFR.

The date of services were Saturday, May 4th, in Estancia at Saint Peter Saint Paul Catholic Mission, 101 South 9th Street. Rosary started at 0800 and Mass was at 0900. Burial was at 123 County Rd immediately following Mass.

AFDRA Honor Guard stood vigil prior to the Rosary, and the Resolution of Condolence and the 4/5’s was conducted at graveside.

Please keep Brother Montoya and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Darrick Pino

Darrick Pino passed on Monday, April 15th. His service was held on April 26th. Darrick was hired on 09-15-2003, and retired on October 1st 2023.

Mass was held at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 4th St. NW, on Friday, April 26th, at 0900. 

Interment followed Mass at Sandia Memory Gardens, 9500 San Pedro Dr NE.

At graveside, AFR conducted the eulogy and presented the Flag to the family followed by AFDRA’s Resolution of Condolence and 4/5 ceremony. 

AFDRA Honor Guard was at Nativity by 0815 to assist AFR Honor Guard in escorting the urn into the church, exiting the church, and at graveside.


Please keep the Pino family in your thoughts and prayers.

.

Hilario Chavez

Hilario Chavez Passed on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024.

Hilario “HH” Chavez joined AFD on June 1st, 1960, and retired on April 1st, 1985. Hilario spent many years driving E-14, and his son, John Chavez, is also retired from AFD.

A Rosary was held at Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Blvd. SW, on Wednesday, April 24th, at 7 pm, with a visitation preceding the Rosary at 630 pm.

Mass was held at San Martin de Porres, 8301 Camino San Martin SW, on Thursday, April 25th, at 11 am. Interment followed mass at San Jose de Armijo Cemetery, 2957 Arenal Rd SW.

AFDRA Honor Guard stood vigil during visitation at Gabaldon, and the Resolution of Condolence followed the Rosary.

AFDRA Honor Guard stood vigil at San Martins before Mass, and the 4/5’s Ceremony took place at graveside.

Please keep the Chavez family in your thoughts and prayers.

Jose Martinez

Today 3/22/24 we were notified that Our Brother AFD Retiree Jose T. Martinez passed away after a long battle with cancer … Jose joined AFD on 3/30/1970 ( 20th AFD Cadet Class ) and he retired on 12/20/ 1991 … Jose was very active with Our AFD Retiree Association and was a current member of the AFDRA Honor Guard … Jose was also a US Air Force Veteran … 

Funeral Services for Our brother AFD Retiree  Jose T. Martinez on 5/20/24 …. The services were scheduled as follows: 

5/20/24

St. Jude Catholic Church …. Rosary @ 1130 

Internment @ 1430 at Santa Fe National Cemetery

We Honored our brother with Reading of Resolution of Condolence and Striking The Four Fives at St. Jude … Our AFDRA Honor Guard  “Stood Vigil”  prior to the Rosary and they “Struck The Four Fives ” following the Rosary as we exited the Church …
Our most sincere condolences to his wife (Helen) and the Martinez family …

Bill Busick

Today (3/17/24) we were notified that Our AFD Retiree Brother Bill Busick  passed away earlier this morning … Bill joined AFD on 10/24/1962 ( 3rd AFD Cadet Class ) and he retired on 12/31/1985 … Bill Busick was in the first Paramedic Class that was taught at UNM School of Medicine … Bill was also a Veteran of the US Army … 

The family requested an AFD FireFighter Funeral …

Funeral Services for Our Brother AFD Retiree Bill Busick were held as follows:

Celebration of Life Memorial Service 

Tuesday April 2nd, 2024  at New Beginnings Church (4770 Montgomery NE) …

Visitation @ 0900 followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service @ 1000 … 

A Reception followed the Memorial Service … Internment took place at Santa Fe National Cemetery @ 1430 …

AFDRA  “Resolution of Condolence” and “Striking The Four Fives” took place during the Memorial Service …  AFDRA Honor Guard  “Stood Vigil” during the Visitation and Memorial Service … 

“Father Bob” Martinez

We are saddened to report that Our Brother AFD Retiree Bob Martinez passed away yesterday ( 3/13/24 ) morning after a long battle with cancer and other illnesses … Bob joined AFD on 2/26/1968 ( #17 AFD Cadet Class )  and he retired on 12/21/1990 … Bob was fondly known as “Father Bob” due to his gentle and kind being …  

Funeral Services for Our Brother AFD Retiree Bob “Father Bob” Martinez were held on Tuesday March 26th, 2024 … The services took place in Old Town at San Felipe De Neri Catholic Church …

Rosary @ 0930 … Funeral Mass @ 1030 followed by Interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery @ 1200 ( 1900 Edith NE )  … 

The “AFDRA Resolution of Condolence” reading occured following the Rosary and prior to the Funeral Mass … AFDRA Honor Guard   “Stood Vigil” prior to the Rosary and they  “Struck The Four Fives” at graveside… 

Phillip Garcia

Yesterday (3/9/24) we lost Our Brother AFD Retiree Phillip ” Phil ” Garcia who was involved in a fatal auto accident … Phil joined AFD on 4/16/1984 and he retired on 12/11/2003 … Phil was part of the 38th Cadet Class … Phil retired out of FMO as Division Commander … Phil’s brother David Garcia retired from AFD in 2010 …Phillip Garcia was a Veteran of The United States Air Force.

Services for our AFD Brother Phillip “Phil” Garcia were held on Wednesday, March 20th.

The Rosary took place at St. Joseph’s on the Rio Grande, 5901 St. Joseph’s Dr NW, at 08:15 on Wednesday, March 20th.  Mass followed from 09:00 to 10:00. AFDRA’s Resolution of Condolence and the career eulogy followed Mass, and the 4-5’s was conducted in front of the church at 10:15. James Lamb played Bagpipes as the family exited the church.

The families receiving line and condolences was from 10:20 to 11:20 at the church. Interment followed at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 02:00 pm. The funeral procession left the church at 12:00, with the Last Alarm truck carrying the urn to I 25 and Tramway, where the urn was transferred to the hearse, and the procession continued to Santa Fe National Cemetery. 

AFDRA Honor Guard Stood Vigil at the church from 07:45 to 08:15

AFDRA honor guard, preparing to strike the four fives

Retired firefighters in attendance

… Our sincere condolences go out to Patty Garcia (wife), David Garcia (brother) and the Garcia family. 

Sebastian Mirabal

We were notified that Our Brother AFD Retiree Sebastian “Sammy” Mirabal passed away on 1/19/2024 … Sammy Mirabal joined AFD on 3/9/1964 and retired on 7/1/1985 … Sammy worked Alarm Room as a dispatcher most of his career … Sammy also had two brothers (Cruz & Pablo) that were part of AFD as well … Sammy was a Veteran of the United States Army …

The Memorial Service for Our Brother Sebastian “Sammy” Mirabal were held on March 2, 2024 starting with a gathering at The Noblin Funeral Home (418 West Reinken Ave. – Belen NM) @ 1300 … There was a Fire Department escorted funeral procession at 1330  to The Mirabal Residence located at #9 Mi Hita Lane, Adelino NM( between Belen & Los Lunas ) where the family had a “Celebration of Life ” Memorial Service honoring Sebastian’s life …  

The family requested that AFDRA read the “Resolution of Condolence” and perform the “Striking the Four Fives” at the home during the “Celebration of Life” memorial … 

For questions please contact Sam Trujillo, 505-400-3644, or Kerry Horton, 505-934-2969

Evaristo “Evy” Marquez

With much sadness, we were notified that today ( 1/17/24) Our Brother Evaristo “Evy” Marquez passed away… Evy joined AFD on 2/13/1957 and he retired on 12/30/1986 after 31 years of dedicated service to AFD …Evy was on our Charter when they organized and established our Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 1455 (which precedes IAFF Local 244) …Evy also had two sons that followed in his footsteps and both Steve and Victor also retired from AFD .. He also has a grandson, Luke who is currently active with AFR.

Funeral Services for Our Brother, AFD Retiree Evaristo “Evy” Marquez were held Wednesday February 7, 2024 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church (811 Guaymas Place NE)

Rosary @ 1000

Funeral Mass @ 1100   

Interment followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery ( Paseo & Wyoming NE )

AFD Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” prior to the Rosary and Resolution of Condolence followed the Rosary.  Striking the Four Fives was conducted at Graveside …  

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