Silverio Sanchez
Today we were informed that Our AFD Retiree Brother Silverio “Silver” Sanchez passed away on 11/18/2023 … Silver was our oldest AFD Retiree (age 94) and had recently attended our AFDRA Monthly Meeting … Silver joined AFD on 5/18/1953 and he retired on 12/31/1983 after 30 years of service … Please keep Silver’s family in thought and in prayer …
Funeral Services for Our Brother AFD Retiree Silverio ” Silver ” Sanchez’s were held as follows ….Thursday 12/7/23… Queen Of Heaven Catholic Church (5311 Phoenix NE) …Rosary @ 0930 ….Funeral Mass @ 1000…AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” prior to the Rosary and after the Mass …
AFDRA Members were allowed to read the “Resolution of Condolence” directly after the Funeral Mass …Internment was at Mt. Calvary Cemetery (1900 Edith NE) @ 1300 (2-hour delay post Funeral Mass) …AFDRA Honor Guard “Struck The Four Fives”at grave side …
Silver Sanchez attending the retiree meeting on August 9, 2023
Ray Padilla
Today, we were informed that our AFD Retiree Brother Ray Padilla passed away on 11/10/2023 (his 82nd birthday) in Denver where he was residing … Ray Padilla joined AFD on 3/9/1964 and he retired on 7/1/1985 … Ray was one of AFD’s first Paramedics and worked on Rescue #1 for many years … Please keep Gloria (wife) and the Padilla family in thought and in prayer …
Questions ???? … call Kerry @ 934-2969 / Sam @ 400-3644
Albert Lavigne
The family of Our Brother AFD Retiree Albert Lavigne announced he passed away yesterday (11/3/2023). Albert Lavigne was residing in Chadds Ford PA (near Philadelphia) at the time of his passing. Albert Lavigne first joined AFD on 9/16/1963 but resigned (due to family illness) on 2/29/1968 …. Albert rejoined AFD on 3/13/1972 and he retired on 8/31/1990. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for the Spring of 2024.
We have reached out to Albert Lavigne’s family and we have extended our Sincere Condolences. … Please keep the family in both thought and in prayer.
Questions ???? … call Kerry @ 505-934-2969 or Sam @ 505-400-3644
Jesus Frias
We were informed that AFD Retiree Jesus “Jessie” Frias passed away on 10/10/23… Jesus joined AFD on 3/19/1962 and he retired on 5/25/1986 … Jesus was a paramedic that worked R-1 for many years … Jesus was also a US Air Force Veteran …
Services were held at St. Anne Catholic Church (1400 Arenal Rd. SW) on 10/25/23 starting with a Rosary @ 0815 that was followed with a Funeral Mass @ 0900 …. Internment took place at The Santa Fe National Cemetery later that day …
AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” at the Church prior to the Rosary / Funeral Mass and they “Struck The Four Fives” following The Funeral Mass … AFDRA Members presented “The Resolution of Condolence” following The Rosary Service and prior to The Funeral Mass …
Armando Rojas
Armando “Jack” Rojas passed away on 8/23/23 … Jack joined AFD on 8/17/1967 as a member of the 16th Cadet Class, and he retired on 5/25/1990. Jack was also a US Navy Veteran.
Funeral Services for Our Brother Fire Fighter Armando “Jack” Rojas were held as follows:
A Celebration Of Life Memorial Service was held on Thursday September 21, 2023 at Calvary Chapel (4001 Osuna NE) Internment is planned for The Veterans National Cemetery in Santa Fe.
AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” and “Struck The Four Fives” at Calvary Chapel. AFDRA Members Honored Jack Rojas with “The Resolution Of Condolence” during the memorial service …
Anthony Hernandez
Funeral services for Our Brother Anthony “Tony” Hernandez were held on 9/30/23 (Saturday) at 1200 at Our Savior Lutheran Church (4301 Atrisco Rd. NW) … Anthony joined AFD on 11/14/1983 as a member of the 37th Cadet class and he retired on 11/27/2003 … Date of death for Tony has been set as 8/1/2023 … Tony was also a US Coast Guard Veteran …
AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil”during the “Celebration of Life” and they “Struck The Four Fives”at the end of the services … AFDRA Members also read “The Resolution of Condolence” during the memorial services …
Romolo Turrietta
With much sadness we were notified that Our Brother AFD Retiree Romolo “Ronnie” Turrietta passed away on 8/10/23 … Ronnie joined AFD on 11/1/1955 and he retired on 2/1/1984 (28+ years) …
Funeral services (through Salazar Funeral Home) were as follows … The Rosary and Funeral mass were held at St. Jude Catholic Church on 9/1/23.
Rosary was followed by a Funeral Mass The family hosted a Reception following the Funeral Mass at the Church Reception Hall …
Internment followed at Pajarito Cemetery (5807 Coors blvd. SW) …
AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” prior to the Rosary and they “Struck The Four Fives” at the church following Mass… AFDRA members read the official “Resolution of Condolence” following the Rosary and prior to the Funeral Mass …
Steve Keffer
AFDRA is saddened to report the passing of AFD retiree Steve Keffer.
Memorial services were held for our Brother Steve Keffer, who passed away on 8-09-23. Steve joined AFD on September 13th, 1993 as a member of the 54th Cadet Class. Reaching the rank of Captain, Steve retired on February 28th, 2018, but continued to serve as a trauma room medic and Wildland Firefighter front line medic.
Services were held on Thursday, September 28th, at Calvary Chapel, 4100 Osuna NE.
AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” and “Struck the Four Fives” at Calvary Chapel. AFDRA members honored Steve with the “Resolution of Condolence” during the memorial service.
Please keep Steve’s wife Lisa and his four children in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like to donate, there’s a link below to their go fund me page.
Noel Baca
With much sadness, today we were informed that Our Brother AFD Retiree Noel Baca passed away. Noel joined AFD on 7/29/1958 and he retired on 12/ 21/1985. Noel was a founding member of our AFD Retiree Association and he served on our Advisory Board and was also a member of our AFDRA Honor Guard. Noel was also a US Military Veteran. Please keep Teeter (wife) and the Baca Family in both thought and in prayer …
The Family has requested a Firefighter Funeral …
Funeral services for our AFD Brother Noel “Penguin” Baca were held on Tuesday, June 20th at St Joseph on the Rio Grande Catholic Church located at 5901 St. Joseph Drive NW …
Visitation @ 0830
Funeral Mass @ 0900
Resolution and Eulogy @ 1000
Interment followed in Santa Fe at The National Cemetery @1230
AFD Retirees Read Our “Resolution of Condolence”.
AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” prior to The Visitation and They “Struck The Four Fives” following The Funeral Mass as we exit the Church.
We did not utilize Our “Last Alarm” Funeral Truck due to time limitations …
Tom Skidmore
Yesterday( 5/15/23), we were informed that Our Brother AFD Retiree Thomas “Tom” Skidmore lost his battle with cancer … Tom joined the Albuquerque Fire Department on 7/11/1966 (13th AFD Cadet Class) and he retired on 6/17/1987 … Tom was also a military Veteran …
Funeral Services for Our brother AFD Retiree Thomas “Tom” Skidmore were held as follows: A “Celebration Of Life” Memorial Service was held on Wednesday May 31st, 2023 at Riverside Funeral Home (225 San Mateo Blvd. NE) … The family hosted a reception following the memorial service at The Mountain View Community Center (201 Prosperity Ave SW)….Interment followed at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Please keep Irene and the Skidmore family in thought and in prayer …
Edward Brito
We were notified today that Our brother AFD Retiree Edward Brito “Brutus” passed away this morning (4/3/23) after a long illness … Eddie joined AFD on 3/19/1962 (2nd AFD Cadet Class) and he retired on 7/1/1985 … Eddie was also a USMC Veteran … The Brito family has requested a traditional FireFighter Funeral …
Funeral Service for Our Brother Eddie Brito were held as follows;
Tuesday May 9th at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (5415 Fortuna Rd. NW)
1000 am Rosary Service
1100 am Funeral Mass
AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” prior to the Rosary Service, and they “Struck The Four Fives” following the Funeral Mass. AFD Retirees read “The Resolution of Condolence” following the Rosary Service.
Burial Services were in Santa Fe on Thursday May 11th @ 1000 am
Please keep Rose (wife) and the Eddie Brito family in thought and in prayer …
Christopher Montoya
We were notified that Our Brother, Retired FireFighter Christopher Montoya passed away on 3/25/23 … Chris joined AFD on 9/12/1994 ( 55th AFD Cadet Class ) and he retired on 12/31/2013 … Chris was also a USMC Veteran … AFD Retiree’s Association extends our sincere sympathy to Christine ( wife ) and the Montoya family … Please keep The Montoya family in thought and in prayer …
The Family will not be having any funeral services at this time … There was a “Celebration of Life” in remembrance of Chris held by Christina Montoya Saturday April 1, 2023.
Billy Chenault
Today (1/17/23) we were informed that Our Brother AFD Retiree Billy Chenault passed away this afternoon … Billy joined AFD on 10/19/1959 and he retired on 8/1/1983 … Billy was a Fire Prevention Inspector at the time of his retirement … Billy was 95+ years old and he was our oldest AFD Retiree … Funeral services were private … Please keep the Chenault family in thought and in prayer ….
Mark Dillard
It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our AFD Brother Mark Dillard. Mark passed unexpectedly on January 5, 2023. Mark was a member of the 57th Cadet Class, hired on August 5th, 1996, and retired out of the alarm room as a Driver on June 1st, 2016.
A “Celebration of Life” was held for our AFDRA Brother Mark Dillard on Friday 1/13/23 from 3 pm to 4:30 and a reception followed from 4:30 to 6 at French Funeral Home on the West Side (9300 Golf Course Rd. NW)… The family had requested that the AFDRA Honor Guard attend … The AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” at the services and “Struck The Four Fives” following the reading of “The Resolution of Condolence” … Our Brother Mark Dillard was laid to rest in Oklahoma next to his father.
Paul J. Gonzales
FYI … We were informed that Our Retiree Brother Paul J. Gonzales passed away yesterday (12/21/22) following a long battle with cancer … Paul was 60 years old and he joined AFD on 9/14/1987 ( 44th AFD Cadet Class ) and he retired on 12/1/2011 … Paul was the son of AFD Retiree Nick Gonzales who also passed away in 2002 … The family had requested a Fire Fighter Funeral …
Funeral Services for Our Brother AFD Retiree Paul J. Gonzales were held as follows :Monday 1/9//23 …. Rosary @ 1800 at Church of The Ascension ( 2150 Raymac Rd. SW)Tuesday 1/10/23 … Funeral Mass @ 1000 at Church of The Ascension … Interment followed at Pajarito Cemetery ( Coors & Pajarito SW ) … AFR “Last Alarm” Truck transported the Cremation Urn from the Church to the Cemetery following the Funeral mass … AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” prior to the Rosary and “Struck The Four Fives” at Graveside …AFD Retiree “Resolution of Condolence” was presented following the Rosary …
Bobby Halton
We were notified that AFD Retiree Robert ” Bobby ” Halton passed away suddenly on 12/19/22 in Oklahoma where he resided … Bobby Halton joined AFD on 4/16/1984 (38th AFD Cadet Class) and he retired on 7/23/2004 … Bobby was employed as Editor of “Fire Engineering” Magazine. Services were held in Oklahoma.
Juan “JD” Chavez
We have been informed that our Brother AFD Retiree Juan “JD” Chavez passed away on 12-2-22. JD Chavez joined AFD on 3/22/76 as a member of the 28th Cadet Class, and he retired on 12/28/1990.
FYI … Funeral Services for our Brother AFD Retiree Juan D. Chavez were as follows : The family had requested a Fire Fighter Funeral … Rosary … Tuesday 12/20/22 @ 1800 at French Funeral Home located at 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW … Funeral Mass … Wednesday 12/21/22 @ 0900at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande located at 5901 St. Joseph Dr. NW … Internment followed the mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery …AFD Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” at the Rosary and ”Struck The Four Fives”at the Internment site … AFD Retirees Read ” The Resolution of Condolence “ following the Rosary …
The ” Last Alarm “ Funeral Truck transported our brother from the Church to Mt. Calvary Cemetery …
Fred Casias
Yesterday was a very sad day for our AFD Retiree Association … Brother Fred Casias passed away (12/1/2022) … Fred passed peacefully at home following a brief illness … Fred was 71 years old …
Fred Casias joined AFD on 3/22/1976 (28th AFD Cadet Class) and he retired on 12/31/2006 after 30 years of faithful service …Fred was a proud member of our association and he also served as Secretary of the AFD Retiree Association …
.. Funeral Services for Our Brother AFD Retiree Fred Casias …On Friday December 9th a Rosary was held at Alameda Funeral Home starting at 1700 … Our AFDRA Honor Stood Vigil ” prior to the Rosary Service …On Tuesday December 27, a Funeral Mass was celebrated at Holy Rosary Catholic Church starting at 1100 ... Internment Services followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery … Our AFDRA Honor Guard “Struck The Four Fives ” at graveside …
… Please keep Fred and his family in your thoughts and prayers …
Dennis Lawhorn
FYI … We were recently informed that our Brother AFD Retiree Dennis Lawhorn passed away on 11/26/22 … Dennis Lawhorn joined AFD on 7/11/1966 ( 13th AFD Cadet Class ) and he retired on 6/28/1988 after a successful 22 year career … Please keep the Lawhorn family in thought and prayer …
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held on 12/16/22 @ 1300 … The Memorial Service was held at French Funeral Home located at 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (Lomas & Eubank) … The family requested that our AFDRA Honor Guard participate in the Memorial Service …
Tomas Placencia
Funeral Services for Our Brother Tomas Placencia we’re held on Monday, November 28th … The family requested a FireFighter Funeral …
Our Brother passed away on 11/09/22 … Tomas joined AFD on 09/07/65 and he retired on 12/25/87 … Tomas was a United States Military Veteran …
Funeral services were held Monday, November 28th at Holy Family Catholic Church (562 Atrisco Dr SW). Rosary was at 0830, with Mass starting at 0900…Interment followed, at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd NE.
The Honor Guard and the Last Alarm truck were at Holy Family to stand vigil. Resolution of Condolence followed the Rosary, Striking the Four Fives was conducted at graveside.
David Alarid
David C. Alarid passed away on 11/8/22 … David joined AFD on 3/25/1974 ( 25th AFD Cadet Class ) and he retired on 4/16/1996 … David’s wishes were to not have a FireFighter Funeral but the family will have a Celebration of Life Service at a later date … we will post information as it becomes available … David was a US Military Veteran …
Tom Tucker
It is with a sad heart that we announce the passing of our Brother Tom Tucker. We were notified by Tom’s daughters that he passed away Sunday morning, September 25th, 2022.
Funeral Services for Our Brother Tom Tucker were held on Friday October 21st @ 1200 … The family requested a FireFighter Funeral …
Our Brother passed away on 9/25/22 … Tom joined AFD on 2/24/1986 and he retired on 6/10 2005 … Tom was a United States Military Veteran …
The Funeral services were held Graveside at Fairview Memorial Park (700 Yale SE) … AFDRA Read “The Resolution of Condolence” at graveside … AFDRA Honor Guard also “Struck The Four Fives” at graveside … Our “Last Alarm” Truck transported our brother from Daniels Funeral Home to Fairview Memorial Park …
Herman Sanchez
Our Brother AFD Retiree Herman Sanchez passed away on 9/13/22 after a long illness. Herman joined AFD on 3/27/1967 (15th AFD Cadet Class) and he retired on 12/28/1990 at the rank of Captain after 23 years of honorable service. Herman Sanchez was a US Air Force Vietnam era Veteran.
Funeral Services for Our Brother were held at Church of the Ascension located at 2150 Raymac Road SW
Wednesday 9/21/22 …. Rosary @ 1900
Thursday 9/22/22 …. Funeral Mass @1000 … Burial followed at Los Padilla’s Cemetery.
AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil “ prior to Rosary and Funeral mass … AFDRA Honor Guard “Struck The Four Fives ” at graveside … AFDRA read the “Resolution of Condolence” following the Rosary.
Bernie Saavedra
Services for our AFD Retiree Brother Bernie Saavedra were held on Monday September 12th, 2022. Bernie passed away on August 25th after a long illness. Bernie was 79 years old, he joined AFD on 10/17/1966 (14th AFD Cadet Class) and he retired from City Department #98 (medical disability) on 3/7/1983.
Funeral Services took place at St. Joseph on The Rio Grande Catholic Church (5901 St. Joseph Dr. NW) …Services were followed with a Eulogy and “AFDRA Resolution of Condolence” and a Funeral mass. Internment followed at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery (Wyoming at Paseo Del Norte). The family had requested a Fire Fighter Funeral.
AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil”at the Church prior to the Funeral Mass. AFD “Last Alarm” Funeral Truck was utilized to transport the cremation urn from the Church to Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Albuquerque Police Traffic Unit (APD) provided the funeral escort and AFD Honor Guard “Struck The Four Fives” at grave side.
Sam Sanchez
We were informed that our Brother AFD Retiree Sam Sanchez passed away on 6/24/2022. Sam Joined AFD on 9/30/85 and retired on 9/30/2010. Sam was a member of the 40th Cadet Class.
The Rosary was held on Friday, July 8th, 10 am, at The Risen Savior Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd NE, with Mass following at 11 am. An escorted procession transported Sam’s urn to Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith NE. A reception followed interment.
Our sincere condolence is extended to Sam’s wife Anna, and the entire Sanchez family. Sam’s son Gabe Ulibarri and nephew Drew Chavez are current AFR members. Please keep the Sanchez family in your thoughts and prayers.
Robert N. Graham
We are sorry to announce the death of retired firefighter Robert N. Graham age, 62 who passed away on May 24, 2022 . He resided in Paguate (Laguna, N.M). He Joined AFD on November 14, 1983 and after serving over 20 Years of faithful and dedicated service he retired on December 31, 2003. He was a member of the 37th fire cadet class. Our sincere condolences go to the Graham family.
Marvin Padilla
Our AFD Brother Retiree Marvin Padilla passed away on Wednesday ( 4/27/22 ) … Marvin joined AFD on 3/27/1967 and he retired on 9/17/1988 ..Marvin was brother to Mariano Padilla ( recently deceased – 4/4/22 ) and Victor Padilla … The family has requested a FireFighter Funeral … Marvin was a Vietnam Veteran … Our sincere condolence to the Padilla Family … Funeral Services were held on Wednesday May 11th 2022 …
AFR “Last Alarm” Funeral Truck transported our Brother from French Funeral Home ( 1111 University Blvd. NE ) to Sunset Memorial Park ( 924 Menaul Blvd. NE) …Rosary, Mass and Internment were also held at Sunset Memorial Park … Rosary @1000 … Funeral Mass @ 1100 … Interment followed the Mass AFD Honor Guard “Stood Vigil “ at the Rosary and they “Struck The Four Fives “ at graveside services …AFD Retiree Association read “The Resolution of Condolence “ following the Rosary at Sunset Memorial Chapel … …
Questions ???? call 934-2969 / 400-3644
Mariano Padilla
The Funeral Services for our Brother AFD Retiree Mariano (“Little Beaver”) Padilla were held on April 13, 2022 … Mariano passed away on April 4, 2022. The Padilla Family requested a FireFighter Funeral …
On Tuesday (4/12/22) a Rosary was held at Ascension Parish …Wednesday (4/13/22) a Funeral Mass was held at Ascension Parish …Interment followed at Los Padillas Cemetery (Coors Rd. & Los Padillas SW) … AFD “Last Alarm” Funeral Truck transported our brother from the church to his final resting place … AFDRA Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” at the Rosary and “Struck the Four Fives” at graveside … AFDRA members Read “The Resolution of Condolence” following the Rosary on Tuesday evening …
Jose Luna
Our Brother AFD Retiree Jose Luna (aka: “High Pockets”) passed away on Friday 2/11/2022 …. Jose Luna was 79 years old and had been in poor health for some time … Jose joined AFD on 8/14/1967 and he retired on 5/31/1987 … Jose was the younger brother of AFD Retiree Mariano Luna who passed away on 2/21/2001 … The Luna brothers were from Puerto De Luna NM … Our brother Jose’s daughter Missy is the widow of AFD FireFighter Manuel Aguilar, who passed away on 3/20/2000 … Our most sincere condolences go out to the Luna family …
Funeral Services for Our Brother Jose Luna were held Monday March 7th, 2022, …. The Funeral Services were at St. Jude Catholic Church (5712 paradise Blvd. NW) starting with a viewing followed by a Rosary and Funeral mass…. Internment followed the Funeral Mass at Vista Verde Cemetery (4310 Sara Rd. Rio Rancho) … A traditional FireFighter Funeral was requested by the Jose Luna family … The AFD “Last Alarm” Funeral Truck was utilized to transport our brother from St. Jude Catholic Church to Vista Verde Cemetery for Graveside Services … AFD Honor Guard “Stood Vigil” at the Church and they “Struck The Four Fives” at graveside … AFD Retiree Association “Resolution of Condolence” was read following the Rosary at the Church … Phone Tree callers thank you for activating your calling lists ….. Questions???? call 899-1500 / 400-3644
Eugene Padilla
Our Brother AFD Retiree Eugene “Gene” Padilla passed away on 2/6/2022 … Gene joined the Albuquerque Fire Department on 3/3/1954 and retired on 12/31/1980 …. Gene was 89 years old … Our sincere condolences go out to The Padilla family … Funeral Services for Our Brother AFD Retiree Eugene “Gene” Padilla were held Monday February 28, 2022, … The Funeral Services were at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (5415 Fortuna NW) starting with a Rosary at 1015 AM that was followed with a Communion Service at 1100 … Internment followed at Los Padillas Cemetery (Coors & Los Padilla Rd.) … A traditional FireFighter Funeral was requested by the Eugene Padilla family …
AFD “ Last Alarm “Funeral Truck” was utilized to transport our brother from Holy Rosary Catholic Church to the Los Padillas Cemetery for Graveside Services … AFD Retiree Honor Guard ”Stood Vigil” at the Church and they “Struck The Four Fives” at graveside … AFD Retiree Association “Resolution of Condolence” was read following the Rosary at the Church Services … Phone Tree callers thank you for activating your calling lists … Questions ???? call 899-1500 / 400-3644