Johnny Tapia

Tapia, Johnny "New Mexico's Most Beloved Fighter and Five Time World Boxing Champ", age 45, a life-long resident of Albuquerque, died Sunday, May 27, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Teresa C Tapia of Albuquerque, NM; children, S. Jonathon Chavez-Tapia, Johnny Lorenzo Tapia, and Johnny Niccolai Tapia; fathers, Jerry Padilla and Tom "Pops" Crego; siblings, Geraldine Trujillo, Jerry Padilla, Jr., Jeffrey Padilla, Johnny Lee Padilla, James Padilla, Michael Montgomery, Chris Chavez, Vickie Tapia, Cruzita Tapia, Nellie Artiaga, Chris Tapia, Randall Tapia, Anthony Tapia, Oliver Tapia, Virginia Tapia-Gutierrez, Anna Garcia and Manuel Garcia; grandmother, Esther Tapia and their families; and numerous other relatives and friends. Johnny was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Tapia; grandfather, Miguel Tapia; sister, Lisa Tapia; brothers, Richard Tapia and Robert Gutierrez; niece, Jessica Baca; and nephew Benny Tapia Johnny was born on February 13, 1967 in Albuquerque and graduated from Albuquerque High, Class of 1985. He was a loving husband, father, son, grandson, and brother and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Friends may visit French, Westside Chapel, Sunday, June 3, 2012, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held at The UNM Pit, Sunday, June 3, 2012, 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.with service following at 8:00 p.m. CAMERAS, VIDEO EQUIPMENT, AND CELL PHONES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Team Tapia Boxing, 2500 San Mateo Place, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 to benefit any upcoming amateur boxers.