Anthony Tijerina

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce our beloved, Anthony Tijerina, has been called home by our good Lord. He went to heaven at the young age of 33. He joins both maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousin (Diana Haynes) in heaven. Anthony leaves behind a legacy most important in life which is to put God first and love everyone wholeheartedly. He truly is unforgettable and irreplaceable. He was a gift leaving a print on our hearts that no one will ever be able to surpass. Anthony took great pride in his work. He had a talent for learning new trades and excelled at everything he did. While working for the Santa Fe County and the State of New Mexico, he made many friends and left a lasting impact on those around him. After employment for many years with government agencies, he took a break to shine his light at Red Lobster where again he made even more friends. He was most recently offered a position with the City of Santa Fe and was thrilled to begin his new role. He was very well liked and valued anywhere he went for employment. Anthony was a parishioner of Santa Maria de La Paz Catholic Church. He was a loyal servant of God and shared the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He held an unwavering faith in our Lady of Guadalupe. This radiated from his heart onto others through love, grace, peace, kindness and compassion. His love for God was evident in the way he cared for others, gave selflessly, and found joy in serving those around him. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He dedicated his time to the organization doing volunteer work as an expression of his faith. His life was a testament of his devotion to God and he always remained grounded, never seeking praise or recognition. In addition to loving God, he was an admirable and amazing Father to his two beautiful sons, Lucas Tijerina 12 (Mom, Sara Coffman), and Issac Tijerina 6 (Mom, Megan Roybal). Anthony also loved and cared for Megan’s daughter, Arianna Sandoval 13, as his own. He was currently assisting with coaching Lucas’ football practices at Milagro Middle School. When not on the field or at games, Lucas and Anthony loved to catch up with some online gaming. Issac and Anthony loved to go on quests finding bugs, spending many hours playing at the park, or riding scooters together. Anthony adored and was incredibly proud of both his sons. His love for them was boundless and he always found time to be present and engaged. He treasured every milestone and accomplishment they ever achieved no matter how big or small. His departure will be deeply felt, and he will be greatly missed by his boys. Anthony was the heart and inspiration of his family. He loved his Mamma, Maria Tijerina with all his heart. He had great respect for and looked up to his Dad, Daniel Tijerina Sr. He also loved and appreciated his stepparents, John Vigil and Lindy Tijerina. He was very fond of smoking briskets and big cookouts with his big brother, Daniel Tijerina Jr., and wife, Amanda Muniz, big sister, Shelly Haynes and husband, Michael Haynes. He also enjoyed the thrill of landing big catches while out fishing and hunting with his big brother, Daniel. He had a very special and tight-knit bond with his little sister, Marisa Tijerina. Every year Anthony looked forward to camping with his sons and family, especially when it fell on his 4th of July birthday. He had so much fun watching the 49ers with his Dad, Daniel, and cousins, David Haynes and Daniel Perez. Anthony has 8 nieces and nephews (Dominika Roybal 25, Dominick Tijerina 24, Destini Roybal 23, Nicholas Montoya 18, Isabella Montoya 15, Danielle Tijerina 11, Gabriel Haynes 7, and Jacob Haynes 2) that he loved incredibly and they in turn loved him greatly. He was a big kid at heart, playing with all of them and watching them grow up. Anthony leaves a lasting impression on family, friends, and even strangers. This is a heartbreaking loss for family, friends, and the community. He showed the world what it means to live with a truly generous heart. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others. It will forever leave a void that can never be filled. Anthony, thank you for that beautiful, beaming smile you always shared with everyone. You lifted us all up as you walked toward us with your arms stretched out ready for a hug or handshake. You are and always will be an honorable and admirable man. Your light is gone now, and our hearts will forever be dimmed. Until we see you again, our dearest Son, Brother, Father, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, and Friend. 

We love you forever Anthony.