Joseph John Tafoya

Juan "Johnny" Tafoya, 66, of Farmington, passed from this life to take his place in heaven on Wednesday, May 04, 2016. He was born on May 8, 1949, in Lumberton to Claudio Tafoya and Olivia (Cruz) Tafoya.
He graduated valedictorian from Dulce High School in 1967. He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting at Highland University in Las Vegas, New Mexico in 1973, then returned to Dulce schools to tutor students. In 1978, he moved to Farmington and volunteered for the EOC Counsel. He also was employed at APS and PNM generating stations as an accountant. Soon after he started his own business as a public accountant, known as Tafoyas Accounting Services, which opened doors to other businesses, Starfire Fireplace and Stove Co., Milagro Trucking Co., MTC Transport, and real estate. His passions were work, helping the St. Francis and Sacred Heart Churches in Lumberton and Farmington, reminiscing with family and friends, attending his annual family reunions.
He is survived by his loving girlfriend, Virgie Castiano, son, Juan Tafoya, daughter,s DeAnn Quintana, Charlotte (Julian) Duarte, Angelina Chavez and Latoya Mark; stepchildren, Nate, Stormy, Nena and Virgelita Castiano; brothers, Ray (Pauline) Tafoya, Clyde (Debbie) Tafoya, Robert (Teri) Tafoya and Ronnie Tafoya; sisters, Linda Tafoya and Carol (Eli) Maestas; grandchildren, Isaac, Janeth, Christopher, Daniel, Nicholas Duarte, Emmeri and Kristin Tafoya, Victoria, Iris, and Ezekiel Chavez, Michael and Christopher Cameron, Apollo and Geovanni Mark, Matthew, Kristie, Jr., Shanessa, Davian, Eliceo, Gabriel, Naudia Castiano, Christian, Kyleonna, Keanu and Kalentina Sylvester; and great-grandchildren, Laney and Haylee Duarte.
Juan Tafoya was preceded in death by his sister, Henrietta Tafoya; father, Claudio Tafoya; mother, Olivia (Cruz) Tafoya; and grandson, Tomas Duarte. A special thanks to family and friends for your prayers, condolences and donations. We will always love you Dad, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa and dearest friend.
A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, 414 N. Allen Ave. A mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 11 at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish with Father Timothy Farrell as celebrant.
Juan's is in the care of Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, at 505-327-5142.