Fernando Archuleta

Fernando "Archie" Archuleta was born on November 10, 1930 in Ojo Caliente, NM to parents, Nemecio and Adela Archuleta. He was the oldest and the only boy. His surviving sisters are Florida Wells, Virginia Salazar, Alice Rael, Tina DeSabatino and Sally (Bob) Turner. His sister, Frances Herrera, preceded him in death.

Fernando is also survived by his wife, Tina Archuleta, 5 children, Larry (Sandy) Archuleta, Joseph Archuleta, Claire (Richard) Cleary, Anthony (Kim) Archuleta, and Daniel (Katie) Archuleta. His oldest son, Robert Archuleta preceded him in death. He is also survived by 3 stepsons; Robert (Barbara) Gallegos, Patrick "Randy" (Michelle) Gallegos and Allen (Darla) Gallegos, 17 grand-children, 22 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Grandson Kieran Archuleta preceded him in death.

As a boy, Fernando loved working very hard on his family's farm. He earned money chopping and selling wood after school to buy a brand-new truck when he was 15. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. After boot-camp at Fort Ord, California, he was sent on a ship to Korea where he served in Able Company 17th Artillery Regiment. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries when the barracks were bombed, spending weeks in the hospital before being honorably discharged and sent home.

Fernando's father suggested he go to barber school in Denver, which he did, working at Gates Rubber Company at night while going to Barber school during the day. After getting his license he worked in Espanola, Los Alamos, then Albuquerque, where he and his family moved in 1959. He owned and operated the Highland Barber Shop on Central Avenue for over 50 years and retired at the age of 82. He enjoyed walking, taking care of his roses and making jerky.

Fernando passed peacefully on April 9, 2025 at Casa Contenta Assisted Living. His children would like to thank the very caring staff and the owners, Ron and Sherry Rojas, who showed so much love and compassion.

A rosary will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - FRENCH Funerals Lomas Chapel at 5:30pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 10:00am. Internment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. A reception will be held at Shrine of St. Bernadette Parish Hall.

Pallbearers will be Larry Archuleta (Honorary), Joe Archuleta, Claire Cleary (Honorary), Richard Cleary (Honorary), Tony Archuleta, Danny Archuleta, Nicolai Archuleta, Robert Gallegos, Patrick Gallegos.

"For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." - 2 Corinthians 5:1