Raphael (Ralph) Herrera

Raphael (Ralph) Herrera, 94, beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Friend, was called to his eternal resting place on March 16, 2025. He entered this world on October 25, 1930, in Albuquerque, NM, born to Antonio and Maria (Ortiz) Herrera. He had 11 brothers and sisters. He attended grade school at University Heights School in Albuquerque, then went on to Jefferson Junior High in Albuquerque, and then attended high school at the Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Santa Fe. He attended college at the College of Santa Fe and then St. Meinrad's Seminary in Indiana, where he obtained a B.A. in Philosophy. He had graduate training in theology, also at St. Meinrad's Seminary. Ralph had a long professional career spanning from 1957 to 2004. All through his career, he focused on serving and caring for the spiritual, physical, emotional, and material needs of others. Following retirement, he continued doing voluntary social work by visiting sick and elderly individuals residing in nursing homes and in homebound situations throughout Albuquerque. His social work touched the lives of countless individuals.

Ralph is survived by his ex-wife, Lois Herrera of Albuquerque; daughter, Monica (Herrera) and her husband, Michael (Mike) Wussow of Mountain Home, Idaho; son, Gerald (Gerry) and his wife, Mary Dove (Zurn) Herrera of South Burlington, Vermont; and daughter, Erin Herrera of Albuquerque; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and brother, Ronald (Ronnie) and his wife, Lorainne Herrera of Covina, California.

A visitation will be held Sunday, March 23, 2025, 4:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University, with a rosary and remembrances to follow at 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 24, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, 2621 Vermont St. NE, followed by the Rite of Committal at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE. Family and friends are welcome at a reception following the burial at FRENCH - University Reception Center. In lieu of flowers, Ralph requested donations be made to the Seminarian Education Fund for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.