Jose Suazo

Born on November 6th, 1938 in Canjilon, NM.  Joe grew up loving the mountains and lakes of northern New Mexico. He was an avid fisherman and was always up to fish his favorite holes at Canjilon Lakes. In his younger years he enjoyed working on cars and cruising the main drag in Espanola. Amongst his many friends, Joe was known for always having a clean and shiny car leading him to go on to build his business literally from the ground up. The days were long with hard work at Joe’s Gas Station and Car Wash but he was very proud of his accomplishments.  Regardless of how busy he was he always made himself available to help his family, friends and community.  He was proud to say he was from Espanola and served on the Espanola City Council in the mid-seventies. Joe was also a member of the Sacred Heart Parish Council. In his later years he spent most of his time outdoors, gardening or working in his wood shop. Joe was most happy when he was surrounded by his grandchildren on his land overseeing the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Joe was preceded in death by his father Ezequiel Suazo, mother Lucinda Jacquez Suazo, Brother Antonio Suazo, sister Lilly Manzanares.

He is survived by his loving wife Socorro “Coco” Suazo of 39 years of marriage, children Patricia Suazo of Albuquerque, Vivian Davalos and husband Albert of Albuquerque, Laura Arnal and fiancé Mark Kinley of Santa Fe, Rolando Arnal of Santa Fe, Barbara Montoya and husband Joe of Rio Rancho, and Cristina Arnal of Santa Fe. Best friend since childhood, compadre and brother Gabriel Mondragon and wife Helen of Santa Fe. Brothers Larry Suazo of Tucson, Arizona, and  Joseph Suazo of Albuquerque. Sisters Lucilla Romero, Edwina Suazo, Bea Suazo, Lorraine Suazo-Garcia all of Albuquerque. Sisters in law Maria Ramirez and Family of Santa Fe, Lucy Ramirez of Long Beach California. Brother in laws Jorge Ramirez and Family of Santa Fe, Sal and Monica of Holguin of Washington State.

Joe was blessed with sixteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren - Timothy Joe Baca, Patrick Baca and wife Irene, Alex Baca and wife Alexandra, Marcus and Nia Montano, Christopher, Jonathan and Breanna Davalos, Eduardo Serrano, Elena Sanchez, Kevin Martinez, Mikayla and Jacob Arnal, Adriana Ortega and husband Nico, Gabriela Flores and fiancé Robert, and Sofia Arnal-Dennis. Great grandchildren Selena Baca, Isabella Sanchez, Miguel Quintana, Roman Griego, Nico, Cruz and Camillo Ortega.                                                

Honorary pallbearers are son Rolando Arnal, son in laws Joe Montoya and Albert Davalos “Little buddies” Ernie Serna, Eddie Vigil, Charlie Wicklund and Harold Sluga. Nephew Rick Suazo and godson Greg Mondragon.

The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to Carlos Figueroa, Legacy hospice Nurses Jenny and Mary and staff at Tercer Cielo in Albuquerque for the wonderful care they provided Joe in his final month.

A mass will be held at Santa Maria de la Paz 11 College Ave, Santa Fe, NM on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Rosary will begin promptly at 10 a.m. followed by a mass and burial at Rosario Cemetery 499 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donation be made in honor of Joe to the Alzhiemers and Dementia Society of New Mexico.

Please share your condolences and memories with Mr. Suazo's family. 

The Suazo family has entrusted the gentle care of Joe to Rivera Family Funeral Home and Cremations of Espanola.