Julian Manuel Trujillo

Julian Manuel Trujillo 

November 5, 1945 – January 16, 2026 

Rio Chiquito, New Mexico

Julian Manuel Trujillo, age 80, a lifelong resident of Rio Chiquito, New Mexico, went to be with our Lord on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Julian was preceded in death by his parents, Estevan and Clarita Trujillo, and Solomon and Feliciana Trujillo; his father-in-law, Ascencion Y. Martinez, and mother-in-law, Seferina Martinez; his twin sister, Feliz Salazar; his sisters, Marie Vigil and Dora Vigil; his brother, Toby Trujillo; and his brother-in-law, Nelson Vigil.

Julian is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Helen Trujillo of Chimayo. She was the love of his life and his true compañera. He is also survived by his son, Allen Trujillo; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Archuleta-Trujillo; and his cherished grandchildren, Angel Trujillo, Andrew Trujillo, and Brooklyn Trujillo. He is further survived by his sister, Lucy (Juan) Trujillo; his brother, Estevan (Nora) Trujillo; brothers-in-law Jake Vigil, Al Salazar, Gilbert (Dorthy) Martinez, Ascencion (Bobbie) Martinez Jr., Rosendo Martinez, Toby (Audrey) Martinez, Noel (Eileen) Martinez, and Eric (Diane) Martinez; sisters-in-law Elsie Trujillo, Dalila (Pete) Archuleta, and Evelyn (Joseph) Martinez-Chavez; along with numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends from Rio Chiquito and throughout Northern New Mexico.

Julian was born, raised, and lived his entire life with Los Trujillos de Rio Chiquito. He was a proud resident of “RC,” where he learned the values that guided his life: love, hard work, camaraderie, joy, and gratitude.

In 1965, Julian graduated from Santa Cruz High School and began his life’s journey of building both a career and a family. His early years took him across New Mexico and California. During that time, a beautiful young lady from Chimayo caught his eye and stole his heart. Julian and Helen were married in 1967, beginning a partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared purpose. In 1973, they returned home to New Mexico and built their casita in Rio Chiquito.

Upon returning home, Julian found work as a journeyman carpenter with Local 1353 of the Carpenters Union in Santa Fe and eventually secured permanent employment at TA-55 in Los Alamos. He worked at TA-55 for more than 30 years, beginning as an entry-level carpenter and retiring in 2009 as a supervisor/foreman.

Julian was proud to be a hard-working carpintero. He took pride not only in the work he did, but in the people he worked alongside. While work was important to him, working with people he loved was what brought him true happiness. Julian also served as mayordomo of La Acequia del Sur and La Acequia del Burro. To many, he was the unofficial mayordomo of all the carpinteros in Rio Chiquito, as his wisdom, fairness, and judgment were trusted and respected by all.

Julian loved farming, hunting, fishing, selling apples, jalando leña, and riding four-wheelers. He enjoyed racing horses, playing cards, dancing, and spending time with family and friends. He was a man full of love and laughter, but above all else, Julian loved his family.

He especially cherished his wife Helen, his son Allen, his daughter-in-law Jenn, and his grandchildren. Julian was immensely proud that Allen is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and that he has served as an officer in the United States Army for over 20 years. He took great pride in Allen’s service as a combat veteran and treasured the memories of traveling together throughout the United States. Julian was also deeply proud of his grandchildren: Angel for her work as a respiratory therapist, Andrew for his success in school and sports, and Brooklyn for her vibrant personality and loving heart. Most of all, Julian was proud that his grandchildren were hard-working, loved their family, and were proud to be part of Los Trujillos de Rio Chiquito.

Julian Manuel Trujillo will be greatly missed, but he will live forever in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved him.

Rosary: Date: January 30, 2026 Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Holy Family Parish, Chimayo

Mass of Christian Burial: Date: January 30, 2026 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: Holy Family Parish, Chimayo

Following the Rosary and Mass, interment will take place at the Rio Chiquito Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Eddie Trujillo, Julio Trujillo, Andrew Trujillo, Ruben Trujillo Jr., Jeff Archuleta, Kevin Vigil

Honorary Pallbearers: Angel Trujillo, Brooklyn Trujillo, John Salazar, Ruben Trujillo, Joe Martinez, Dyna Trujillo, Gilbert Martinez, Rosendo Martinez, Ascencion Martinez Jr., Noel Martinez, Toby Martinez, Eric Martinez, Javier Vigil, Veronica Trujillo, Stevie Trujillo, Faith Trujillo, Matthew Trujillo, Isaac Trujillo, Isaac Sandoval, Alvarado Trujillo, and all of his nieces and nephews.

The family of Julian Manuel Trujillo has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Española Valley.