José Samaniego Preciado

On Sunday, January 5, 2020, José Samaniego Preciado, the family’s rock and hero, was called home to be with the Lord at the grand age of 86.  He was a loving and cherished son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

José was born to his parents, José and Delfina Samaniego Preciado during the Great Depression on Saturday, December 23, 1933 in Santa Rita, NM.  He married Mary Helen Cordero, the love of his life, twenty years later in 1953, and they remained devoted to each other for 66 years.  She and their four children, David Preciado (Emma), Erin Preciado, Santiago “Jimmy” Preciado (Betty), and Daniel Preciado survive him. José also helped to raise his nephew, José “Lonnie” Apodaca (Cindy).

His eight surviving grandchildren are, Felicia, Brian, Marisa, Carmela, Ernest Jr., Shauna, James “Shiloh” and Joseph Shane. Sadly, preceding him in death was grand-daughter, Melissa Preciado. Ten great-grandchildren survive him as well.  He was a proud, hard-working man who always supported and put his family first.

Preceding José in death are siblings; Hortencia “Tencha” Apodaca, Clorinda “Cory” Gonzalez, and Reymundo Preciado.  Two surviving sisters are Aurelia “Wally” Ortiz and Celia Ojinaga.

Also known as “Sonny” to most of his family and friends, José leaves behind many adoring nieces, nephews, godchildren, and cousins.  In addition, life-long friends and long-time neighbors loved his humorous stories and generous spirit.

During the 1960’s while working in the Kennecott Copper Mines in Santa Rita, NM, José earned an accounting degree from Western New Mexico University and started his professional career as an IRS agent in Albuquerque, NM.  He retired from federal service in 1984, but he continued to work from home and to volunteer his tax preparation skills for many years after retirement.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Road, Rio Rancho, NM. 87124.

A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, 10:00 a.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Road Rio Rancho, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.