Brandon Tafoya Obituary
Brandon Jay Tafoya, 34 passed away unexpectedly on August 16, 2025.
Brandon was born on March 10, 1991, at the Santa Fe Indian Hospital in Santa Fe, NM. He was raised in Santa Clara Pueblo, NM and attended Espanola Valley High School.
Brandon had so much love for the outdoors, fishing, hunting and just cruising and taking in the cool mountain air. One of his biggest loves was riding his Indian Motorcycle. He also loved his Grandma Asako’s Japanese Cooking and he was a Grill Master. He loved having impromptu BBQ’s for all friends and family. He was a CDL Driver and currently worked at LANL.
Brandon was preceded in death by his father Dirk Tafoya, paternal grandfather Emilo Tafoya, maternal grandfather Jose F. Pacheco Maternal Aunts Rita Salazar, Melissa Martinez.
He is survived by his mother Cathy Pacheco, brother Tristan Tafoya, nephew Korbyn Maestas-Tafoya, paternal grandmother Asako Tafoya, maternal grandmother Frances Pacheco, Aunts Sharon Pacheco, Darlene Pacheco, and Shirley Tafoya, Uncle Arthur Pacheco.
Pallbearers: Eric Schwiner Anthony Kedge, Roy Gonzales, Kenneth John (KJ), Caleb Lopez, and Sam Roybal
Honorary Pallbearers: Arthur Pacheco, Chico Castello, Tristan Tafoya, Miranda Pacheco, Darren Schwiner, Shanna Gutierrez, Monica Schwiner, Channel Brandstetter, Robert Lopez, Citadels MC and numerous family and friends.
Services are as follows:
Tuesday August 19, 2025
A public viewing at 6:00 pm at in the Chapel of Peace of DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM.
Wednesday August 20, 2025
Burial Services at 9:30am at Santa Clara Pueblo Catholic Church Cemetery.
The family of Brandon Tafoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477
View All Photos
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
623 North Railroad Ave, Española, NM 87532
People and places connected with Brandon
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Brandon Tafoya
Tell your own story about Brandon
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Brandon Tafoya's name
How to support Brandon's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Brandon Tafoya's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
