Paul L Tapia

Paul L. Tapia

Our beloved Paul, formally of Alamogordo, NM, went with our Lord, Friday, October 17, 2008 following a lengthy illness surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his first wife Lois Woodword Tapia, his father Jose Hill Tapia, sister Nora Larranaga, and brother Moises Tapia.

Paul was born June 21, 1931 in Tapia, New Mexico, the son of Jose and Pablita Tapia. He attended school at New Mexico school for the blind. At the time he retired in 1986 he was the Dean of Academics. He was inducted into the New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped Hall of Fame. Paul was instrumental in Starting the University of New Mexico Wrestling Team. He formally was a member of the Boy Scouts Of America, earning his eagle scout badge, and later served as a boy scout leader.

Paul is survived by his wife Delia Tapia of Santa Fe, his mother Pablita Tapia of Albuquerque, sisters; Corinne Larranaga (Alfred) of Edgewood, Carmen Romero (Gilbert) of Los Lunas, Alice Sanchez (Rey) of California, and Sarah Floyd (Larry) of Amarillo, TX, brothers; Celestino Tapia of Santa Fe, Sam Tapia (Claudine) of Bayard, NM, and Abe Tapia (Kathy) of Santa Fe, and sister-in-law Genieva Woodword. All of Paul's nieces and nephews were special to him, but because his love for the sport of Wrestling he was very fond of Jose, Javier, Johnny Tapia, and Samuel Tapia. He is also survived by his stepchildren; Arthur Marquez, Leo Marquez (Nadine), Frank Marquez (Beth), Irene Muller (Tony), and step grandchildren; Emily Mueller, Anthony Muller, Alex, Mike, Brandie, and Artie Marquez.

A Rosary will be recited at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00pm also on Wednesday at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community.
Burial will be Thursday, October 23, 2008 at Monte Vista Cemetery in Alamogordo, NM.

The Rivera Family of
Santa Fe Funeral Options
417 East Rodeo Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 989-7032