Antonio Roybal

Antonio Roybal, 41, of Española, NM, passed peacefully on November 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his wife and family. Antonio was a man whose heart was far bigger than the world allowed, a protector, a dreamer, and a soul who loved deeply and fiercely. His life was marked by loyalty, laughter, and countless quiet acts of kindness that touched everyone who knew him.

Born on August 23, 1984, on a Naval Base in Honolulu, Hawaii, Antonio grew up in Española, New Mexico, among the traditions of his family, shaped by the strength, humor, and resilience of the people who raised him. He carried their lessons into adulthood, becoming a man who showed up for others whether with a helping hand, an intelligent lesson, a joke that broke the tension, or a hug that made everything feel safe.

Antonio was preceded in death by many loved ones who now welcome him home: his maternal grandparents Filimon and Ramona Vigil, his adopted Grandpa Chavez, his paternal grandmother Gloria Bustos, his uncle and godfather Dean Barnhart, uncles Freddie Tapia, Ricky Roybal, and Miguel Bustos Jr., his cousins Renee Vigil and Chris Tapia, and his brother-in-law Jason Ornelas. Their memory lived in him every day, and now he rests among them.

He leaves behind a family who adored him and a community forever shaped by his presence. He is survived by his loving wife Monica, who was the center of his world, and their dog Lucy, who never left his side. Antonio is also survived by his mother Julie Archuleta (Felix), his father Joe Roybal, his sisters Bernadette Martinez and Patricia Roybal (Derrick), and his brothers Johnny Tafoya (Ashley) and Leroy “Nicolas” Rodriguez (Jasmin).

Antonio cherished his extended family as deeply as his immediate one. He is mourned by his in-laws William and Cindy Lucier, sisters-in-law Beverly Lucier (Eddie) and Tammy Lucier, his goddaughter and niece Destiny Vigil (Mark), and his cousin-brother Robert Tapia (Alesia). He held a special bond with his Aunt Evelyn Tapia-Barnhart and his Nina Darlene Parker (Kurt). His stepdad, Leko Marquez, helped shape the man he became, offering guidance, humor, and love. Stepbrother James "Daniel" Martinez (Stephanie).

Antonio’s heart was especially tender for his nieces and nephews — 21 in total, each one a source of pride and joy. Among them are Sandra, Angelique, and Esperanza Tafoya; Jerome and Destiny Vigil; Gabriel, Alyssa, and Xander Martinez; Maggie and Anthony Ortiz; Jolisa Garcia; Gabriel Escarcega; Sirena and Victor Quezada; Mia Trujillo; Julian Rodriguez; Elijah Maestas; Abram Martinez; and David Ornelas, Destiny and Kimberly Romero, the latter being his partner-in-crime in mischief and laughter. Antonio was blessed to be uncle to 1 great-nephew, Khalil Trujillo, with another nephew and great-nephew on the way, whom he was already so proud of.

More than anything, Antonio will be remembered for his compassion, intelligence, humor, devotion to family, love of children and animals and the great outdoors and his loving and forgiving heart. His presence was a steady comfort to many, a guiding force, a protector, and a source of unwavering love.

Though Antonio’s time on earth was far too short, the mark he left is eternal. His memory will continue to bless and guide those who loved him, and his spirit will live on in every shared story, every laugh he once sparked, and every moment of love he poured into those he cherished.

A Public Viewing will take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. and Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at DeVargas Funeral Home. A Mass will take place on Friday, December 12, 2025, at San Juan Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. and burial to follow at the San Rafael Cemetery in El Guique, NM. 

Serving as pallbearers are his brothers and nephew: Leroy “Nick” Rodriguez, Robert Tapia, Ry Parker, Johnny Tafoya, Jerome Vigil, and Derrick Schelebo.

Honorary pallbearers include all the nieces and nephews he loved with every part of his heart.