Joe "Chato" Herrera

It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Joe (Chato) Herrera announces his passing. Joe Herrera 96, a resident of Las Vegas, NM passed away peacefully at home on November 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on April 12, 1929, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He attended W.L.V. High School and was the first quarterback for the West Las Vegas football team. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1951. After basic training he participated in the occupation of Germany and the Korean War.

Following his military service, Joe attended barber school, and after barber school he was hired as a barber at New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute originally known as the State Hospital, where he developed strong relationships with both patients and employees. During his employment he held three positions, which were that of barber, patient advocate, and union steward. Those that worked around "Chato" as he was known, knew that one of his best characteristics was that of a motivational interviewer. He had a knack for getting people to talk and lay the foundation for future conversations. He retired from the "state Hospital" with 30 years of service.

In 1973, Joe was hired by community base organization called "Nosotros" that had received a federal grant titled Law Enforcement Emergency Act (LEEA). This program was structured for youth and young adults, with a scope in supporting our youth community in self-developing programs. Joe had the responsibility of managing the armory gymnasium that will provide a boxing and weightlifting program and other physical activities. During his time as boxing coach, he provided the training and guidance that led to quite a few of our community young adults to exceed as State Golden Glove Champions. Joe's experience as a boxer in the military gave him the experience, to lay the foundation needed in supporting a successful youth and young adult program. Chato was a strong supporter of his high school team "The Dons." He also contributed much of his time helping out with football and track and field coaching with the Robertson Cardinals where his children attended high school. In his later years he also served as president of The Tecolote Land Grant where he helped secure many successful funding projects and programs for the village of Tecolote.

Joe is survived by his children Joseph Herrera, Eugene Herrera and Maria Harris, his daughter in-law Novella Herrera, son-in-law Richard Harris and grandchildren Lisa Herrera, Anna Herrera, Micaela Russo, Lachlan Harris, Oliver Harris and Maya Harris. He is also survived by his sister Celia Bustos and brother Victor Herrera of Sacramento, California, as well as numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Angela Medina-Herrera.

A rosary for Joe will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 6PM and the funeral will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 9AM. Family and friends are invited to a small reception after the funeral to share memories, stories, and reflections in honor of Joe. The reception will be at the Father George Catholic Center across from Carnegie Library.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-478-3511.

If sending the family a sympathy card via our online service you may maild the card directly to the family by clicking "Send to Family Address".