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BORN
1931
DIED
2024
Thomas Tafoya Obituary
August 25, 1931 – August 2, 2024
Bakersfield – After 92 years of good health, strength and vitality, Thomas Tafoya died peacefully on August 2, 2024 at Hoffmann Hospice Hospital in Bakersfield, California.
The son of Procopio and Librada Tafoya, he was born on August 25, 1931 in the small town of Corona, New Mexico. He earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Prior to marrying and moving to Bakersfield, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force. Starting as a teacher in 1958, continuing as a principal, and retiring as an administrator in the Personnel Department, he touched many lives over his 31 years with the Bakersfield City School District.
Tom had a noble character, was a devoted family man and a friend to many. His kindness and warmth were evident to all who interacted with him. Despite his educational and career achievements he retained the humility and profound faith cultivated by his parents during his young life growing up on the high plains of New Mexico. Spending time with his family was Tom's greatest joy. He loved to tell stories, often enhancing the details for dramatic effect. He loved the outdoors and especially liked fishing and working in his yard. An avid sports fan, he also enjoyed watching Dodger games.
Tom was the dearly loved heart of his family. He is survived by his wife Lillian Tafoya, their children Patrick, Tamra, Sonya and Carla Tafoya, grandchildren Olivia Kernan, Luis Bressoud, Sofia and Christian Tafoya, great-grandchild Hazel Kernan, and in laws Luna Calderon, Jess Kernan and Kylie Bressoud.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Candido Tafoya, Albert Trujillo and Eva Martinez.
A private family service will be held at the Bakersfield National Cemetery. The Tafoyas express their gratitude to their extended family, friends and colleagues for the outpouring of love, support and prayers, and are deeply appreciative of the compassionate professionals who cared for Tom over the last two months of his life.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Tafoya
Carla Tafoya
August 25, 2025
Happy Birthday Dad! We all love you and miss you so much. Thank you for being a wonderful father.
Jay Martinez
August 16, 2025
A year has went by my dear friend. how fast a year flew by. Really miss you buddy.
Steven Gray
August 5, 2025
Times like these bring a flood of memories of so many times shared. I'm praying you'll know God's comfort, peace and memories will keep your father close.
Larry Knackstedt
July 18, 2025
Tom was my junior high counselor at Compton Jr High as well as my next door neighbor on Pico St. He got me my first job in the grape fields. He and his wife were interested in my life. I remember the Tafoya family as good people and a good family. After 60+ years I still remember how he helped to shape my life.
Chris Lucero
September 2, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. We were very sorry to hear of Tomas passing. I will miss his monthly calls to check on his extended family. He was a person who never forgot where he came from. May he RIP in God´s arms in his heavenly kingdom. Sam & Christy Lucero. Albuquerque, NM
Steven Gray
August 18, 2024
My condolences the Tafoya family. I know the family will find solace in knowing he will always be with each of you in spirit.
Robert Stanley
August 14, 2024
I remember very well going fishing with Mr. Tafoya and Pat driving up the canyon In the VW beetle to brush creek also spending time at the house always made you feel like family
Mary Guerrero
August 14, 2024
Mr. Tafoya was my principal at Mt. Vernon and his wife, was my children's principal. he was strict, yet kind. He will be missed.
My condolences to Lillian and family. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be a comfort during this grieving time.
Tom Dominguez
August 13, 2024
My most sincere condolences to the Tafoya family.
My mom Mary worked as the school clerk at Mt Vernon for Mr. Tafoya before she transferred to Washington JHS. Which means he was my principal for all or part of K-3. He had a deep voice that I thought could be heard for miles. My mom had him show me the "paddle." It looked like it was 6´ long to me. He was always very nice to us and my mom always spoke highly of him as her boss. Great memories.
Anna Rodriguez
August 13, 2024
So sorry for your loss Sonya and all the family. You are all in my prayers! He was a great man and will be missed!
Peace n´ love to you all
Anna Rodriguez Hunt
Sandi Brown
August 13, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Tafoya. I was so blessed when he interviewed me and hired me to be a teacher for BCSD 36 years ago. I will always be grateful that he took a chance on me. Sending many hugs and prayers to his family.
Evie Succi
August 12, 2024
My condolences to the Tafoya family. I vividly remember our family vacations to Bakersfield, eager and excited to visit with my cousins. We could always count on Uncle Tom giving us a warm welcome. Whether we were swimming, playing golf in the yard, roller skating, going to the movies or out for ice cream, we could always count on Uncle Tom to get us around town, or help in each activity. His kind and gentle soul was apparent, and I see that kind and gentle soul live on in each of his children and grandchildren. Love you.
Eileen Ortega
August 12, 2024
I´m sending love and hugs to Aunt Lillian and my cousins during this difficult time. My solace is that the family is blessed with many wonderful memories of our Uncle Tom. When we were children us 4 cousins would visit the Tafoya cousins for sleepovers, pool time, games and Uncle Tom would treat us to ice cream parlor visits. He was so kind to all of us. He had a larger than life personality with stories to share, an infectious laugh and always a twinkle in his eye. He will truly be missed.
Nicole Parra
August 12, 2024
My father Pete Parra and Tom Tafoya were very close. I just read Tom Tafoya's obituary to him this morning.
We talked about all of the amazing things Tom Tafoya did in the community, his gentleness and his love of golf.
Tom had lunch with my dad earlier this year- drove himself- my dad couldn't stop talking about that! They had a wonderful time.
My brother and I were fortunate to know Tom Tafoya most of our lives and his family.
My mom's father Tom Martinez met Tom Tafoya when he was a teacher moving to Kern County from Colorado. Tom Tafoya always had a kind word to my mom about how much he liked her father- our Grandpa Tom.
On behalf of the Parra family, I send love, wishes and prayers to the Tafoya family.
Nicole Parra
Cynthia J. Wright
August 12, 2024
I am honored to have met my friend´s Sonya´s Dad when he would visit the Bay Area we went to the Giants vs Dodgers games. Wishing peace & comfort to your family Sonya as you all grieve the loss of your Dad, grandfather, brother, uncle, in law, etc. Most of all, find the serenity in the fact that I believe we can say Mr. Thomas Tafoya -job well done rest well!! Finally For you Mr Tafoya a Dodgers fan I did like! Much love & respect
Kathleen Bridget Kozlowski
August 11, 2024
Mr. Tafoya hired me for BCSD back in 1987. His daughter, Carla, has been my principal for 19 years. He has been a mainstay at BCSD for most of my career.
Sonya Tafoya
August 11, 2024
I love this photo of my Dad that came out in the Bakersfield Californian. It captures the warmth of so many of his interactions with people, especially kids.
Thank you to all who have posted on this site with memories and condolences. It brings me and my family solace to read your words.
Thank you,
Sonya
Tanya Roy Crowley
August 11, 2024
Our family wants to send our heartfelt condolences to the Tafoya family.
Tom brought so much joy and light to those around him. We will always remember the special holidays spent with Tom and his family at Tamra´s home in Arcata. We were welcomed with open arms by the whole family. Those gatherings were filled with warmth, love, and laughter, and it was clear how much Tom cherished these moments. Tom wore his heart on his sleeve. The pride and affection he had for each of you was unmistakable, shining through in every story he told and the love in his eyes. His face would light up whenever he spoke about his family.
Tom had a way of making everyone feel special. In reminiscing about him with our family, a consistent theme emerged: his genuine kindness and the sweetness he embodied. It was simply impossible not to feel embraced by his warmth. Every time we saw him he would look so delighted. He had a way of drawing out happiness in everyone around him. His laughter was infectious, and his smile lit up the room. He had this wonderful twinkle in his eyes when he told a joke, and he was so good at connecting with people. He made a lasting impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. I loved hearing his stories about growing up in New Mexico, his time in the Air Force, and his years working in schools as a teacher and principal. His enthusiasm for life and his appreciation for its many gifts were truly inspiring. Tom was such a good, kind, and loving person and he touched the lives of so many.
May you rest in peace, Tom. Your memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know you.
Love Tanya Michael Lina Tim and Cory
Raul Holguin
August 11, 2024
Mr Tafoya touch my life. I as a young boy in the 60s had the opportunity of meeting him. I always remembered him. He left an impression on me as a true professional as an educator and a kind human being. May you rest in peace Mr Tafoya. You left a great legacy
Laura L Montoya & family
August 11, 2024
Lillian,Pat,Tamra,Sonia& Carla My thoughts and prayers to you all during this very sad and difficult time . Uncle Tom was more like a big brother to me. I was blessed to have had him in my life at a very young age where you are starting to develop your personality. He instilled in me the importance of honesty, good morals to live a structured successful life. I still to this day, follow his advice. Love and blessings Laura & family.
Mark Henson
August 11, 2024
Tom Always gracious & caring as a neighbor. You raised your kids the right way & I know Lillian was always thankful for you being a wonderful husband My parents Mary & Chuck ,my brothers & sister always appreciated your kindness. I will always be grateful to you for giving me & your son Pat guidance especially when we had a tendency to stray off the path in high school. I enjoyed you taking me along on fishing trips with Pat I also appreciated you helping me to wake up Pat very early in the morning so he & I could be on the upper Ken River before daylight hit the water. Much love to you & your family
Stella Helton
August 11, 2024
My condolence to the Tafoya family. I have great memories of Tom Tafoya. I too worked in the Personnel Department with BCSD the same time Tom was one of the Administrators. He had a gentle kind sole. Rest in peace Tom.
Thomas Tafoya
August 10, 2024
Uncle Tom was a true example what a good man, father, husband and grandfather should look like. A very loving & humble man. A man of honor and an encourager to countless students, colleagues, friends, & family. I will miss him and never forget his example to my father and I.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV
Wendy Rockwell
August 10, 2024
I feel lucky to have met Tom through his daughter, and my friend, Sonya. I remember Tom and his colleague generously taking us to lunch as they passed through town for work. He had such a kind and gentle manner. I remember his laugh as he told us stories and jokes.
I always enjoyed hearing bits of news and updates over the decades.
My condolences to the entire family and all who loved him. I know he was much beloved and will certainly be missed.
Isabel Tafoya
August 10, 2024
Lillian, Pat, Tamra, Sonya and Carla. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.May God comfort you and give you peace. We have such great memories of his visits. Later,when he wasn't able to come, he would always call to see how we were doing. He would call and ask how my sister and brother were doing at the ranch. He knew what was happening in New Mexico before we did. I will miss his calls, his thoughtfulness and kindness. May he rest in peace! May God bless you always. Love , Isabel
Verónica Gallardo
August 10, 2024
Verónica Gallardo
Fue un placer haber conocido al Sr. Tafoya, compartimos gratos momentos de interesantes platicas y risas junto a Joaquín. Seguro Joaquín y yo extrañaremos sus visitas. Ahora Él está disfrutando del mejor tiempo junto a nuestro Padre Celestial.
JJ Martinez
August 10, 2024
I am crushed with your passing Mr. Tafoya. What a good man you were.. we shared a lot of time together you and I. you would always say the best time in life is breaking bread with friends. I would have to agree with you and we sure did break a lot of bread together. we used to frequent Hodels, the Arizona Café, Rubens, The Knotty pine, the red pepper ,Colonia and numerous other restaurants. The day we hung out with Billy Bob Thornton while he was filming at the Meridian market was a great time. when you would help me move my daughter while she was attending law school we had great conversations on the road. it was always a privilege for me to hang out with the first Hispanic principal of Kern county. I am really going to miss you, my friend.. rest in peace Mr. Tafoya you deserve it... Your friend J.J. Martinez
Charlene Lopez-Hable
August 9, 2024
Uncle Tom,
Although it has been a very long time since I´ve visited you, I will always remember how kind & sweet you were to me when as a 12 year old girl visiting you, Aunt Lillian & my cousins, you instilled in me the confidence to go down the slide at your swimming pool. I was so scared & you were in the pool to be there when I landed in the water. Heaven has gained a wonderful angel....YOU!!
Fondly,
Charlene
Brian
August 9, 2024
Tom, Thank you so much for your friendship. I will miss our Fish and Chips lunches and great conversation. You inspired me to be a better person and look for the "Good" in everyone. This year, I won't be able to hear you say "OH BOY' when the "sweet Potatoes" arrive, but I know that your loving spirit will be there when I deliver them to the family. Thanks for the memories,
Love
Brian
Nancy Dunn
August 9, 2024
To all of you, my deepest sympathy for the loss of Tom. He hired me into the. Bakersfield City Schools. My son Patrick was blessed by Tom as a baby. It is beautiful to have known such a caring man and family. Love to Lillian all your children and the great gifts given to all of you from a blessed elder With deepest of love, Nancy Dunn
Lydia
August 9, 2024
Tom, I will never forget my 40 minute phone call when you could not stop bragging about your family. Yes, I heard the most beautiful words expressed with such joy and love. A special being you were. May you rest in peace. Lydia
Dale Reed
August 9, 2024
I have fond memories of Mr Tafoya as my 4th grade teacher. One never forgets fine teachers. Condolences to the family. Dale Reed.
Carla Tafoya
August 9, 2024
Dad,
So proud to call you my father. Your love and heart was larger than life. I will cherish you and all the beautiful memories forever.
Love you Dad!
Carla
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