Rafael Aragon Jr.

RAFAEL ARAGON, JR, 84, of Santa Fe, peacefully joined our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 25, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rafael and Dolores (Madrid) Aragon; his wife, Pauline Sandoval Aragon; his son David Aragon; brothers, Joe V. Aragon, Fidel Aragon and wife Sylvia; sisters, Beatrice Sais and husband Arthur, Oli Sanchez and husband Tony and Lucy Wortman and husband Henry. Rafael is survived by his son Leroy and wife Grace and family, son Michael and wife Sylvia and family, son Ralph and wife Anna and family, and son Peter and wife Carmella. Also survived by his brother Pat Aragon and wife Joann and family of Santa Fe; in laws, Aurelia Aragon, Rose Aragon, Marcella Sandoval (John Seriano) and family, Dennis Sandoval and wife Paula LeSueur and Family, and Leo Sandoval and wife Sharon and family; grandchildren, Carlos (Tracy), Miguel (Tamarra), Ricardo, Joslynn Aragon de Herrera (Nic), Antonio (Tamara), Alicia and Daniel; great-grandchildren, Emma, Mateo, Augustine and Miladi; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rafael served in the New Mexico National Guard, retiring with 41 years of total service, serving as the “Chief Supply Sergeant”. Once known as the “Million Dollar Sergeant” because of the large amount of New Mexico National Guard supplies under his supervision. Many of his colleagues and friends referred to him as “Sarg”. No matter where he went he would strike up conversation with anyone and everyone and usually was the life of the party and would normally joke around with people. As long as he was able he loved to hunt and fish. He taught all of his sons and grandchildren how to hunt and fish and had a great time doing it. He enjoyed driving and cruising around the Pecos Mountain area (especially in the Osha area) whenever he could. The last eight years of his life he enjoyed socializing and working out at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center in Santa Fe, where he met people and made many new friends. He will be greatly missed by all his relatives and friends. A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church, where the mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Thursday. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 PM Thursday. Honorary Pallbearers will include Carlos, Antonio, Miguel, Ricardo and Daniel Aragon, and Josh Gonzales.