Rudolfo Velarde

In loving memory of Rudolfo R. Velarde, Sr. 94, born in Red River, NM and raised in Ranchos de Taos, NM. Rudolfo passed away May 26, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved daughter Yolanda Cortez (†Joseph); parents Telesfor & Sarita Velarde; siblings Phil Velarde, Ernesto Velarde, Ferniando Velarde, Juanito Velarde, David Velarde, Francis Velarde, Elvida Santistevan, Precilla Abeyta, and Annabel Velarde; parents-in-law Maximillo & Marcelina Valerio. 

Rudolfo served his country during the Korean conflict war, while proudly serving in the United States Army. Later, he was a successful businessman, owner of La Plaza Electric in Taos for 47 years.  Throughout those years, he attended Eastern NM University and was an Instructor at El Rito Community College.  Rudolpho was a committed member of the Acequia Madre del Rio Grande and La Serna Land Grant for numerous years.   

He is survived by his wife of 72 years of marriage, Regina Velarde; children, Valerie Biddlingmeier, Sandy Carson (Johnny), Marcele Duliere (Jeff), Rudy Velarde (Marla), Rosalie Lanning (Bryan), Reyes Velarde (Cindy), Greta Velarde-Gabaldon (James), and Randy Velarde (Adriana); sister Patsy Abeyta; grandchildren, Cynthia Trego (Jay), Rich Biddlingmeier (Evan), Syra Hamilton (Carl), Ryan Carson (Antoniette), Sonya Cruz (Angelo), Shannon Quintana (Joe), Crystal Solano (Jeremy), Keith Lanning, Jesse Gabaldon, Justin Gabaldon (Denise), Kerrisa Rice (Derek), Ian, Megan, and Madison Velarde; great-grandchildren, Brenden and Keegen Trego, Teriah, Katherine, Kyllan, Samuel Hamilton, Jace and Mia Cruz, Jacob and Savannah Quintana, Alera and Jair Solano, Carter Gabaldon, Kiara and Landon Gabaldon, Brock and Lily James Rice; and one great-great grandchild Soren Hamilton; plus many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Rosary will be recited on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 9:00am followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00am at San Francisco de Asís Catholic church.   Burial will follow at 1:30pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. 

The family of Rudolfo Ramon Velarde has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com