Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Daniels Family Funeral Services - Southern Chapel

2400 Southern Blvd SE

Rio Rancho, New Mexico

DAVID SENA Obituary

DAVID SENA
November 6, 1946 - September 23, 2025
David was born in Santa Fe, N.M., on November 6, 1946, to parents Alfredo and Eufalia "Fay" Sena. His birth completed the Sena family, which included two sisters, Connie and Susie.
He attended public and Catholic schools and graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1964. He then enrolled at St. Michael's College (later the College of Santa Fe) and graduated in 1969 with a BBA degree and a major in accounting.
While still in college, in 1967, he married his beautiful wife, Rita. Together they had two children: son Matthew and daughter Monica.
Following graduation, David worked for the State of New Mexico for ten years, beginning as a junior accountant and progressing to Director of Administrative Services. Seeking further advancement, he was employed by the City of Santa Fe for fourteen years, serving as Director of Budget and Finance, Municipal Treasurer, and ultimately retiring as City Manager in 1994. He was later employed by Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) and retired in 2000 as Corporate Treasurer.
During his career, David served on numerous city, state, and non-profit boards and commissions.
As a young child, he developed a keen interest in geography and world history and yearned to travel to many of the places he read about. Fortunately, he and his wife, Rita, were able to enjoy many ocean cruises and travel to five continents and the Holy Land. The highlight of all their travels was Cana in Galilee, where they renewed their vows on their fiftieth wedding anniversary at the site where Jesus performed his first miracle-turning water into wine at a wedding feast.
In retirement, David and Rita enjoyed helping to raise their beloved grandchildren Gabriel and Marisa. They were faithful parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and were humbled to serve as home visitors for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, bringing Christ's love and compassion to the less fortunate in their parish.
David is survived by his loving wife, Rita; daughter Monica; son Matthew and wife Karen; and grandchildren Gabriel, Marisa, and Elijah. He is also survived by sisters Connie Vigil and husband Eddie, and Suzie Sanchez; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Olivas (Martin), Raquel Nunez (David), Becky Skaggs (Rusty); brother-in-law Toby Trujillo (Roberta); special cousin John Rivera; devoted family friend Tony Corn; and special friends Jim and Sherrie Reibsomer. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family.
David lived his life following a simple adage: "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." Whenever you light a candle under these circumstances, give a thought to David.
A Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 10:00AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124, followed by the Mass beginning at 10:30AM at the same location.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from Oct. 11 to Oct. 12, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID SENA

Sponsored by Daniels Family Funeral Services - Southern Chapel.

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Sophia Gallegos

October 23, 2025

Sincere condolences to the family. David was a close associate of my husband, Carlos Gallegos (now deceased), having worked together for the city of Santa Fe. Carlos admired and respected David for David's dedication and honesty and treasured his friendship. Rest in peace. Very sincerely, Sophia M. Gallegos

Arturo Gonzales

October 20, 2025

I knew and worked with David when I was at La Familia Medical Center. If it were not for David, his knowledge of budget and City finances and most importantly his willingness to work with the organization in meeting the health needs of the community, La Familia would have not survived those years. It's because of his work that health care was provided to the less fortunate of our community. I am sure when he first saw the face of God, he said to David. Good Job well done good and faithful servant! Come into the kingdom prepared for you. Thank you David!

Holly Hart

October 16, 2025

My condolences to Rita and family. I served with David on the Tierra Contenta Board of Directors. David was a valued member of the board, a very smart and kind person and a committed member of the Santa Fe community. We were disappointed when his term concluded. So sorry for your great loss.

Charles Wood

October 15, 2025

It is deeply saddening to learn of Dave's passing. It was a great privilege to work with Dave at the New Mexico Energy Resources Board where he served as Director of the Administrative Services Division during the 1970s and 1980s. As a key member of the agency's leadership team, Dave was instrumental in ensuring the organization's success during a period of rapid growth and challenging public policy issues. He is forever appreciated by colleagues for providing timely and effective customer service of the highest quality. Dave's hallmark was always treating others with dignity and respect. The grace of Dave's good works will be sustained through the many lives that he enriched and the programs that he strengthened.

Felipe(Fila) Roibal

October 12, 2025

David was a schoolyard friend.We went to school together, played baseball. I knew Susie as well. I worked with Rita's dad. Sorry for OUR loss!

Ben Tapia

October 11, 2025

Rita and family, my condolences for your loss. David was a good friend, always with a smile or a joke. Rest in peace my friend.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in DAVID SENA's name

Memorial Events
for DAVID SENA

Oct

22

Rosary

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church

1502 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Oct

22

Service

10:30 a.m.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church

1502 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Funeral services provided by:

Daniels Family Funeral Services - Southern Chapel

2400 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

How to support DAVID's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor DAVID SENA's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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