Pete C Tapia

In Loving Memory of Pete C. Tapia

May 21, 1942 – April 19, 2025

Pete C. Tapia, 82, left this world the way he lived—loved deeply by his family and friends, and with a life full of hard work, laughter, and open skies.

Born to Frank and Reynalda (Chavez) Tapia, the eldest of 7 siblings. Pete grew up in a family where ranching, hard work, and faith were cornerstones. Pete loved the outdoors: raising cattle, hunting, camping out at the Venado, Reunions in Leyba and sharing jokes and stories around the fire. He enjoyed going to visit with the boys at Wagon Wheel, stopping by Sal’s station to say hello, or going to C&J Traders to pick up feed and visit. He looked forward to the weekends to enjoy the company and family that would come to visit. We can’t forget his love, hate relationship with his phone so he could call all of his many family and friends. Making calls and answering his phone became a chore most recently and so if you received a call asking if you had just called, hold onto those memories. Branding season was a special time for him—when family and friends would come together, not just to work, but to celebrate the life he loved.

Pete served proudly in the U.S. Army from August 1964 to August 1966, stationed in Germany, before returning home to Moriarty, NM to the land he loved. He spent many years working at the Turf Ranch and later took great pride in his work as the Physical Plant Manager at the New Mexico State Fair, retiring in 2001.

In January 1968, he married the love of his life, Martha Davis, and together they built a family full of strength, laughter, and love. He was a proud father to four daughters: Angela (Pancho) Sandoval, Carol Gonzales (late Nick J. Gonzales), Maria Rita (Matt) Broilo, and Debra Tapia. Pete’s pride and joy extended to his grandchildren—Amberlea (Brandon) Gilliard, Nick (Seleste) Gonzales, Elena Sandoval, Mariza Sandoval, Elizabeth Tapia, Frances Tapia, Julian Broilo and Josh Rislove. His great-grandchildren— Arya and Bella Gilliard, Luna, Nick Jude and Peter Gonzales, and Emma and Nova Salazar—brought him endless joy and love.

He is survived by his loving wife Martha, sisters Margie Olivas and May Orona, his children, grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of friends who shared in many of his life’s adventures. Pete was welcomed into heaven by his twin sister Maria Rita Tapia, his siblings Brablia, Johnny, and Julian Tapia, his parents Frank and Reynalda Tapia, his grandparents Julian and Concha Chavez and Faustin and Florencita Tapia, his brothers-in-law Mark Olivas and David Orona, his son-in-law Nick J. Gonzales, and many other cherished family members.

Those who knew Pete will always remember his sharp wit, his strong hands, and his generous heart. Whether he was fixing a fence or windmill (supervising), telling a story that had everyone laughing, or lending a hand, Pete lived fully and gave selflessly. His absence leaves an ache in our hearts, but he wouldn’t want us to dwell in sadness. We ask that you smile through your tears remembering the love, the laughter, and the beautiful life he shared with us all, not the life that ended, and cherish the memories he leaves behind.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Nick Gonzales, Brandon Gilliard, Brian Orona, Alan, Frank and Johnny Tapia, Pancho Sandoval and Martin Encinias. Honorary Pallbearers include Matt and Julian Broilo, Chris Cano, Martin Rivas, Gino Chavez, Brandon and Cameron Webb, Robert Arias and his dear and close friends Vicente Tapia, Salomon Lucero, Charles Tenorio, Scottie Dennison, Joe Villanueva, Fred Montoya and Benjie George Marez.

Services will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Moriarty. Viewing will begin at 9:00 AM, rosary at 10:00 AM, and Mass at 11:00 AM followed by burial at the Moriarty Cemetery. Following burial services, the family request that you please join us for one last meal in honor of Pete to be held at the Moriarty Catholic Center.

Pete’s love of life, family, friends, and the land will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

To send flowers, an electronic card, or purchase a tree in his honor, please click on the links.