The Most Reverend Arthur N. Tafoya, D.D.

March 2, 1933 ~ March 24, 2018
Resided in:
Albuquerque, New Mexico
It is with great sadness that the family of Most Reverend Bishop Arthur Nicolas Tafoya and the Diocese of Pueblo announce his passing on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at the age of 85.
Bishop Tafoya was born in 1933 in Alameda, N.M. He attended Alameda Elementary School, St. Mary Catholic School, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Santa Fe and Conception Seminary in Missouri. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 12, 1962, at the St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe, N.M. He served in the parishes of Holy Rosary and San Jose Catholic Churches in Albuquerque, N.M. and St. Anthony in Dixon, N.M. and was Rector of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Santa Fe as well as vicar general to the late Archbishop Robert Sanchez.
On September 10, 1980, he was ordained to episcopacy as bishop of the Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado, after being bestowed the honor by St. John Paul II. Bishop Tafoya faithfully served the Diocese of Pueblo for 29 years. During his years as bishop, he travelled the plains and mountains of southern Colorado in adverse weather, bringing the message of faith and hope to everyone. He was instrumental in renovating the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, dedicated a number of new churches and religious institutions, and brought the cloistered Poor Clares to Pueblo to pray for the needs of the diocese. Bishop Tafoya also consolidated the diocesan offices to the former cathedral school and sold the Bishop’s mansion to move into a small two-bedroom house, formerly a rectory, downtown. In 1982 he received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree from Regis College in Denver. Bishop Tafoya also served the U.S. Bishops as chairman of the Latin America Committee, chairman for the Human Development committee and served on the American Board of Catholic Admissions. He will also be remembered for establishing the permanent diaconate for the diocese. His last project was the building of a new diocesan pastoral center on land he acquired close to the Historic Riverwalk in Pueblo. The building was completed shortly before Bishop Tafoya retired.
Upon his retirement, he returned to his roots in Alameda/Albuquerque, N.M., where he assisted numerous Catholic parishes of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, especially his home parish of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Bishop Tafoya was preceded in death by his parents, Nicolas and Rosita Tafoya; step-mother, Alice Tafoya; brothers, Herman and Leonard; niece, Diana Anaya; and great-nephew, Thomas Wessgar; grandparents, Manuel and Francisquita Tafoya, Frank and Juanita Armijo; step-sister, Lorraine Herrera. Survived by siblings, Rosalie Sandoval (Daniel), Larry (Viola), Priscilla Howard, and Andrew (Kathyrn); sister-in-law, Theresa; step-sisters, Arlene Santillanes, Geraldine Lee, and Lydia Gonzales; 15 nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews; Uncle Arcenio Montoya, Aunt Theresa Armijo, and many other relatives as well as a multitude of friends throughout Colorado and New Mexico. During his illness, Bishop Tafoya was lovingly cared for by his nephew, Daniel ‘Danny Boy’ Sandoval. He completed his mission as shepherd of the people on earth and joined his loving Father in heaven.
Viewing, 4 to 7 p.m. today in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Viewing, 3 to 7 p.m. April 8, 2018, and April 9, 2018, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Vigil, 7 p.m. April 9, 2018, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 414 W. 11th, Pueblo. Funeral Mass, 10 a.m. April 10, 2018, at Memorial Hall, 1 City Hall Pl. Live broadcast of the funeral Mass. Entombment to follow the Mass at Roselawn Cemetery. Public reception following the entombment at St. Joseph Hall, 1145 S. Aspen Rd.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bishop Tafoya’s name to Diocese of Pueblo Catholic Charities, 429 West 10th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
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Bishop Tafoya,
You were a great spiritual leader and apostle of God. My entire family was greatly inspired with you, your sermons, and your presence. Rest in Peace Bishop Tafoya. God Bless You Always….
MY FAVORITE!!! God bless you Bishop Tafoya!! May you REST in PEACE!! And the perpetual light SHINE upon you!!
This man is truly and angel. I will never forget his kindness and wisdom that he shared.
You will always be a gem in our hearts. We have so many good memories of you, especially the Chimayo pilgrimages. May you rest in God’s loving arms. Lupe Gutierrez and Douglas Beach
God Bless you, Thank you for serving our community with such true love ✝️
You will be greatly missed Bishop Tafoya. Heaven is the one truly blessed by your presence there. Give Jesus a Hug for me. De Colores. Rest now in our Heavenly Father’s arms as he will tell you “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
May the Good Lord bless you Bishop Tafoya. Thank you for the spiritual guidance you provided us for many years. Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick’s parish appreciate all your hard work and dedication to the people of La Junta and the Pueblo diocease. You will be missed.