John Abeyta

Santa Fe, the state of New Mexico, and the world itself lost a true treasure on April 29th, 2023.

It would take volumes to properly cover the accomplishments & contributions of Juan Antonio Abeyta, well known as John Abeyta,

or more familiarly - “Tony”.

He passed peacefully at his home in Santa Fe, at the age of 94, surrounded by his loved ones.

Tony is best known for the 40 plus years he spent as one of the most innovative and consequential business owners of downtown Santa Fe -

as the owner of The Washington Avenue Store, Bar & Delicatessen.

Starting as a delivery boy upon returning from his service in the 1st Cavalry Division of the Army in 1946, this striking and impressive young man, filled with curiosity and potential, easily impressed the original owner of the business, John Dillon. He soon moved young Tony into management,encouraging him to learn and thrive in his already substantial knowledge of imported fine wine and foods.

Later, in the early 1960’s, Mr. Dillon was able to retire and Tony became the new owner of what came to be know as “the deli”.

But for the years he spent running and growing the beautiful business, that blessed our family and our home town so very much, Tony was much more than a business man.

When recently asked what his occupation was, during a meeting with Rivera Family Funerals, it took some time to discover the proper word to describe him.

He was beyond an epicurean and sommelier, an entrepreneur, a business man, and a wonderful husband, dad, grandfather and great grandfather - but he was also a general contractor and builder, a carpenter, a World War II veteran, a boxer and martial artist and a mentor too many. His hobbies and loves included, hunting & fishing, carving & creating beautiful pieces in wood, playing harmonica, singing and fiddling, and traveling with his family.

He was an all encompassing connoisseur of life but nothing surpassed his love of family and his heritage.

Our dads love of culture and the foods that reflect the worlds peoples, as well as his commitment to God, family, tradition, nature, music and even physical disciplines have had a profound influence on our family. What he shared with us is now reflected in the accomplishments of his daughters, grandchildren and his great grandchildren as we attempt to honor him in our pursuit and love of cuisine, professionalism, entrepreneurship, family, music and life.

We were beyond blessed to have this man in our lives and each of us will cherish the moments, memories, advice and strength that he left us.

With all of his accomplishments, the repeating attribute of Tony Abeyta, that we hear over and over from friends, cousins and too many family members to mention here- is that Tony cared.

He stepped in and raised children, becoming father to many whose fathers were absent.

He saved lives, gave freely, and mentored and cared for any and every soul who was blessed enough to cross paths with him- and above all he was a brilliant and thoughtful conversationalist- quick with wit, laughter, input and advice.

These rare and precious attributes are what those closest to him will miss most and will hold dearest as we continue to remember him our whole lives long-  as we strive to work a fraction of how hard he worked throughout his life in order to honor and keep his legacy alive.

He is proceeded in death by his wife, Maida Abeyta, his mother, Isadora Lola Abeyta, his father, Victoriano Abeyta, three beloved sisters, Josie, Pauline and Lourdes, and many treasured relatives and friends.

He is survived by his DAUGHTERS: Evelyn, Linda (his caretaker) and Elizabeth Rain (Uriah), GRANDCHILDREN: Lisa (Armando), Suebrett, Antoinette and Nathan Peace.

GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Hannah, Isaiah, Isaac and Joseph.

The lives of many other family members and friends were touched by Tony and are grieving his loss with us.

A Rosary will be recited at 6pm, Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 at Rivera Family Funerals.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 12pm, Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 at Cristo Rey Catholic Church

followed by burial services with full military honors at 1:30pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. 

Reception to follow at 2:30pm at Christian Life Santa Fe Center (behind the church area) at 121 Siringo Road.

Updates and live streaming details can be seen here:

https://facebook.com/events/s/celebration-of-life-juan-anton/612188160828269/?mibextid=RQdjqZ