Eric Tapia

Eric James Tapia, 37, passed away suddenly on Nov. 20 in Moriarty. He was born April 12, 1983 to Santos and Helen Tapia and was raised in Moriarty. Eric attended and graduated from Moriarty High School in 2002, where he played football and wrestled. He married his high school sweetheart April Garcia in 2011 and his greatest accomplishment was the birth of his beautiful daughter Izabella in 2018. His happiest days were spent roping, playing darts, horseshoes, corn hole, fishing, camping, hunting, boating, playing the guitar, and most importantly spending time with his family and friends at the Tapia Ranch. Those who knew Eric, knew that his family was the most important part of his life. He was an amazing father to Izabella and his eyes would truly light up when he was with her. Eric was a friend to many and everyone always knew when he had an opinion on something. He touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed by them all. Eric is preceded in death by his grandparents Theodore and Julia Solis and Alfredo and Isabellita Tapia and is survived by his beloved wife and daughter April and Izabella Tapia, his mother and father Helen and Santos, brother Shorty and wife Leanne, brother Jeff and wife Kelli, nephews Bobby, Dylan, and Seth, niece Sierra, mother and father-in-law Vince and Delina McKinight, sister-in-law Shyann McKnight, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Due to the COVID restrictions a private family Funeral Service will take place. Pallbearers will be Marce Pacheco, Jeff Tapia Sr., Shorty Tapia Jr., Bobby Tapia, Dylan Tapia, and Seth Tapia. Honorary Pallbearers will be Shyann McKinght, Sierra Tapia, Kelli Tapia, Leann Tapia, James Tapia, Manuel Tapia, Jonathan Tapia, Vince McKnight, Cody Harrah, Joel Shipman Jr., Leon Tapia, Adri Ortiz, Ben Chavez, Chris Tapia, Mikey Tapia, Robert Gallegos, and Amanda Bassett.