Joseph Naranjo

Joseph W. Naranjo, 81, member of Santa Clara Pueblo, quietly passed away September 26, 2022. Preceded in death by his parents, Juan & Mollie Naranjo, sister Adala Velarde, Brothers, Bernard, Robert & Stanley Naranjo.

Joseph was born on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation and made his home there for many years. While there he worked with the Jicarilla Agency with the surveying crew, married the late Esther Vigil and a few years later she gave birth to his daughter Jamie Naranjo. Joseph was a very adventurous man. At one time he was a full-time rancher working in Lumberton NM. Later in life he moved to Morgan City, Louisiana and started working on the oil rigs offshore. He later decided it was time to come home to Santa Clara, there he learned the trade of making pottery with his mother. They would sit by the dining room window drinking coffee and making small animals. When done firing them he would take his mother to the portal in Santa Fe, where they encountered many people and sold their wares. While living in the pueblo he kept himself busy with mini gardens, keeping his yard weedless and always enjoyed the pets that became his other children. His daughter soon came to the pueblo and decided to live with him. Together they enjoyed life, and both were always outdoors, cleaning or planting mini gardens. Even as he aged, he managed to go outside and continue to pull the smallest weed.

His laughter and friendship surely will be missed. He is survived by his daughter, Jamie Naranjo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Sister Laura Naranjo (Al Tavasci) of Albuquerque NM. Brother Charles R. Naranjo of Santa Clara Pueblo. Many nieces, nephews, & relatives. Pallbearers, Cris R. Velarde, Wyatt A. Velarde, Alden Chato, Isaac Chavarria, Cayden Baca, Simon Baca, Dino Chavarria. Honorary Pallbearers, Charles R. Naranjo, Eric J. Naranjo, Jeremiah Naranjo, Robert C. Naranjo, Al Tavasci, Kenneth Martinez, Regis Chavarria & Joseph DeAguero. Viewing was held, September 28, 2022, at 5:00pm to 5:45pm at Rivera’s Funeral Home. Graveside services were September 29, 2022, at the Santa Clara Pueblo Catholic Churchyard.

The Naranjo Family would like to Thank Rivera’s Funeral Home, for all the care & understanding in helping the family during this time. We also would like to thank Deacon John Archuleta of Pojoaque, Santa Clara Church caretakers, SCP Law Enforcement, SCP Tribal Officials, and all the relatives, & friends near and far who donated food, monetary, and most important they love and support.

Thank you once again.