Leroy Naranjo

LeRoy Naranjo, 90, of Pilar, NM, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 30,2023. 

He was born to parents, Juan and Lupita Naranjo, January 18, 1933, in Chimayo, NM. LeRoy attended Menaul School in Albuquerque where he lettered in football and basketball, he also served on the Student Council and as House Council President. He graduated in 1952, immediately enlisting in the U.S. Navy; serving four years assigned to the USS Spangler Destroyer Escort 696, earning two medals of honor. 

After his honorable discharge from the service, he continued his education in mathematics, drafting and engineering and was employed with Rockwell International Corporation in El Segundo, CA as a machinist. During his time working for Rockwell, unbeknownst to him at the time, he machined parts for the first rocket to the moon. 

Moving back to his home state of New Mexico in the late 60s with his family, he worked for the Department of Labor but soon returned to his natural-born talent as a precision machinistat Phillips Laboratory with Kirkland Airforce Base. He was promoted to the position of Senior Production Controller up until retirement. 

After his retirement he moved north to Taos, NM and later settled in Pilar, NM. LeRoy was known in this community for growing blue-ribbon green chili and corn for the tastiest chicos around! He volunteered many years with the Pilar Acequia Association where he was instrumental in restoring the irrigation system and by-laws as well as serving as Mayordomo and Commissioner for the community water needs. This was a tradition passed on from his father and his Spanish heritage. LeRoy enjoyed Friday night dances at the Taos Eagles Club. He was a gold medal winner at shuffleboard competing both at the Taos Senior Center and around the state. LeRoy was also an avid walker, a mathematician, was competent in various types of building construction and renovation projects, and he enjoyed road trips. Throughout his life, LeRoy enjoyed continued relationships with his family, extended family, and childhood friends up until close to his passing. 

LeRoy is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Lupita Naranjo; sisters: Rosenda McCabe, Florinda Naranjo, Eralia Kennealley, and Frutosa Miranda; brothers: Frutoso Naranjo, Moisello Naranjo, and Genaro Naranjo. He is survived by his six children, Christina Scharfman, John Naranjo, Carol Naranjo, Angela Kleinhenz, Vincent Naranjo, and Anthony Naranjo. Five stepchildren, Michelle Skogen, Michael Aceves (preceded in death), Martha Garcia, Roberta Garcia and Matthew Garcia, plus 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. 

Please join us for his Memorial Service and Reception on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM at El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, 30 Camino de Mision, Chimayo, NM. Burial to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501 promptly at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, PO Box 185 Chimayo, NM 87522.

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com