Obituaries
BB Beverly ,94 Robert ‘Bobby’ Montoya, 83 Joseph Louis Tapia ,91
Joseph Louis Tapia, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was called by the Lord unexpectedly on November 3, 2020 at age 91.
Joseph Tapia was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is preceded in death by his father Juan Tapia, mother Delfinia Tapia, brother John Tapia, sister Pita T. Gonzales, daughter Christina (Tina) Martinez and son John Tapia. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Delores Tapia; daughters Pamela Ortiz (Tom), Anna Maestas (Charles), Tricia Tapia, and Susan Sotelo (Mike); 18 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 5 greatgreat-grandchildren.
He attended St. Michael’s school in downtown Santa Fe from grade 1 through 12. He loved his sports and enjoyed playing football while he was in high school. He graduated in 1948 and continued to play football while attending St. Michael’s College. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War and served in the National Guard. He was employed by the University of California at Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1953 and retired in 1990 after 37 years of service. He also worked at Moore’s Clothing Store on Saturdays and holidays until Moore’s closed. Joe attended Mass daily and humbly and lovingly served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister to the homebound for many years. He was an active member of Caballeros de Vargas and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He loved sports; football, basketball, and especially loved his golf. He was a member of the Santa Fe Country Club and enjoyed playing golf in numerous tournaments throughout his lifetime and touring the state with the Senior golfers. He once entered a tournament sponsored by KOBTV held at the Santa Ana Star Golf Course. The tournament was only one shot per person opportunity for a chance of a hole in one. The prize was an all-inclusive trip for two to the PGA Skins game in Palm Springs, CA. No one hit the hole-in-one but Dad came closest to the pin and won. Our parents enjoyed the tournament and had the opportunity to meet Tiger Woods. How rewarding and exciting was that! Mom and Dad thoroughly loved their yearly trips to the Lawrence Welk Resort in Escondido, CA where Dad played golf daily at the resort and in the surrounding area.
He had a great personality, a huge smile, and always welcomed everyone. He had a deep love for his family and many cherished friends.
Dad, thanks for all the fond memories and all the good times we’ve shared together throughout our lifetime. We will forever hold you in our hearts.
Due to current circumstances, services are pending and a celebration of life will be in the future. Pallbearers are Ryan Walker, Jeff Walker, Jarom Walker, David Ortiz, Michael Reyes, and Dominic Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers are all other grandchildren.
Please visit berardinellifuneralhome.com for updates.