Derwin A. Valdez

Derwin A. Valdez, 47, of Penasco, NM, and more recently from Los Lunas, NM was called home by Our Dear Father in Albuquerque on August 26, 2010, after a long illness. He was born at Fort Meade, Maryland and as a military dependent lived in various parts of the US. Attended schools in Denver, San Antonio and Colorado Springs and graduated from Penasco High School. He graduated from a Denver Electronic School specializing in automotive circuitry. Derwin was an altar server for 7 years. He had a huge heart full of love and compassion; was prideful in helping people with auto repairs often without charge. He is preceded in death one year to the day by his mother, Elvia L. Valdez of Penasco, NM; an infant sister, and his beloved uncle Gilbert Valdez, of Vadito, NM. Derwin is survived by three sons, Maurice Valdez (Sandra), Los Lunas, NM; David and Elijah Gonzales, Dixon, NM; two grandchildren; also surviving is his father, retired Chief Master Sargent Octaviano A. Valdez, Penasco, NM and his nine siblings: Yvonne Arellano (Nelson), Colorado Springs, CO; Edwin Valdez (Eunice), Ranchos de Taos, NM; Rita Valdez, Rio Lucio, NM; Gloria Valdez, Highlands Ranch, CO; Joey Valdez, Penasco, NM; Rudy Valdez (Elizabeth), Chamisal, NM; Valerie Valdez (Manuel Sandoval), Taos, NM; Derrick Valdez (Vickey), Ft. Knox, KY; and Melissa Lopez (Joseph), Albuquerque, NM. He is further survived by 27 nieces and nephews; numerous aunts and uncles and many friends in the Penasco area. Rosary was recited August 29th at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church, Penasco. Burial mass Monday, August 30th at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church, followed by ash interment at the Vadito Catholic Cemetery.