Desiderio Tafoya

Desiderio Juan Tafoya

Resident of San Mateo

Our father, Desiderio Juan Tafoya, will always be remembered for his devotion and for his undying love for our mother. On November 29, 2010, he was reunited with our mother, Socorro "Coco" Tafoya, who passed away in 2008.

Those who knew him and loved him affectionately called him "Junior."

Junior was born June 6, 1944, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. In 1957, he moved to Redwood City, California, with his family. Over the years, the Tafoya family would grow. Junior married our mother on September 13, 1968, and instantly became the father of two children, who he loved and raised as his own. Together, they raised three children; Richard Thomas, Nancy Venezia and Desi Tafoya. As a father, he provided a calm stability to the household. He was the caregiver when his children were sick and the handyman/mechanic when the house or car needed repairs. No matter what his family needed, he was there with his unconditional love, support and acceptance.

For 30 years, he provided for the family by working as a fork lift operator at Heublin in Menlo Park. During that time, he became a father-in-law to Susan Thomas and John Venezia. He also became a grandfather to Wendy Thomas, William Thomas, Whitney Thomas, Wesley Thomas, Amanda Venezia and Gino Venezia.

His grandchildren remember him as the definition of a kind and gentle grandfather.

He retired in 2004, and moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with our mother. Three years later, our parents welcomed their great-grandson Rylan Burnette.

After the passing of our mother, our father lived in San Mateo, where he met many new friends and loved ones. He recently returned to the family home in Puerto Vallarta where he lived his last days.

Junior is survived by his six sisters, Tomasita Monta¤o, Maria Rose Tafoya, Katie Tafoya, Barbara Soria, Toni J. Griffin and Priscilla Rangel.

Church services will be held at St. Gregory's in San Mateo, December 10 at 10 a.m. The burial service will follow at Skylawn Cemetery.