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Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Bennie G. Tafoya, age 73, passed into eternal life and in the arms of his heavenly father on March 18, 1999 after a short illness. Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, Abundio and Manuelita Tafoya. Bennie was a life resident of Alameda, NM. Prior to World War II, Bennie and his father farmed in Sandia Pueblo and the Alameda area. He continued to farm, garden and raise livestock in Alameda. Bennie was a U.S. Army World War II Veteran where he was involved in the battle of Leyte, Philippines and Okinawa, Japan and awarded the Purple Heart medal. The Kirtland Air Force Base Civil Engineers employed him until his retirement from Civil Service. His beloved wife, Julia of 51 years, survives him. He is also survived by his beloved daughter and son-in-law, Esther and husband, Andy Barela of Albuquerque; two beloved sons and daughters-in-law, Ben P. and wife, Eileen Tafoya and Lawrence R. and wife, Dianne Tafoya of Alameda, NM; four granddaughters, Michelle, Monica, Amanda, and Adrianna Tafoya; and one grandson, Lorenzo Tafoya; two sisters, Lillie and husband, Ernest Garcia and Clarita Garcia of Dana Point, CA; a very special cousin, Elias Trujillo who was like a brother; and a special brother-in-law, Joe V. Mora. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. Bennie was an active parishioner and usher of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Alameda. He was also a life member of the Purple Heart, a member of American Legion Post 69, a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, and of the Knights of Columbus Council 9928. Pallbearers will be Ernie Garcia Jr., Rudy Garcia, Albert Garcia, Frank Lovato, Walter Rodarte and Robert Rodarte. A Rosary for Mr. Tafoya will be recited on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church where the Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made either to the Lovelace Hospice, 5655 Jefferson NE 87109 or to Restricted Cancer Research, 5800 Lomas Blvd. NE 87110. Donations should be made in memory to Bennie G. Tafoya and please include the address for Mrs. Julia Tafoya. Arrangements by the Salazar & Sons Mortuary, 400 3rd St. SW. .DMP
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