Robert Naranjo

Robert G. Naranjo, 78, of Santa Clara Pueblo, joined his parents in paradise on January 26, 2022.

Robert, at the age of 17, quit school and enlisted in the US Armed Forces.  He wanted to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, who was already serving his country.  He was immediately deployed to the Vietnam war. He was admired for his dedication to serve his country.  When he returned home, he went back to school and received his diploma from Dulce High School.  His classmates looked up to him for his bravery to serve his country and to return to finish high school.  He began his journey to serve in whatever capacity was in store for him.  One of his adventures was becoming a truck driver.  This took him from one end of the country to the other.  He made his home in Joplin Missouri for several years. His favorite route was through the mid-west.  One of his favorite stories, while in Joplin, he went to what looked like a run-down tavern, sat down at the bar, and looked around. Not far from him was Merle Haggard, having a couple of brews.  He moved on down to where he was seated and sparked up a conversation.  He asked Merle Haggard “what are you doing here?” His response was, “the same as you. I though nobody knew me here, guess I will have to look for a new location.”  That evening was filled with laughter and cold ones and Merle Haggard told Robert, “If he didn’t tell anyone, I would like to return and have a few more cold ones with you again.” What a story, Robert was a very social person, strking up conversation everywhere he went. We always enjoyed him coming home to hear his new adventures.

Upon his retirement from trucking, he came home to Santa Clara Pueblo, where his mother encouraged him to take up the art of pottery.  He was so intrigued with Mother Clay, that he wanted to learn more. Under the guidance of his aunt, the late Julia Martinez, she taught him the art in further details. She helped him open the doors to be a participant at the Santa Fe Indian Market. He ventured there for many years. He became noted for his beautiful, detail black on black pottery, which earned him many ribbons.  He will surely be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Mollie Naranjo, sister Adala Velarde, brothers Bernard and Stanley Naranjo, and sister-in-law Sandra Kay Naranjo

He is survived by his son, Mawkowa ko’ Naranjo, , of Lexington Virginia, brothers, Joseph Naranjo and niece Jamie Naranjo of Santa Clara Pueblo, Charles Naranjo (Glenna) of Santa Clara Pueblo, sister Laura Naranjo (Al) of Albuquerque. Nephews Cristopher Velarde (Sandra) of Santa Clara Pueblo, and Eric Naranjo (Carrie) Tia, Faust and Kio Naranjo of Eagle River, Alaska. Martin, Julie, Melissa, and Kimberly Perea, who looked up to him for guidance, of Dulce NM. Very special friends Diana Korb, of Columbus Ohio, and John Tidwell of Grove Oklahoma, and Cissy from the mid-west as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends near and far.

Public Visitation will begin at 5:30 pm on February 7th  with a rosary at 6:00 pm. After a procession through Santa Clara Pueblo on the morning of February 8th burial will take place at 9:00 am at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Charles Naranjo, Cristopher Velarde, Freddie Garcia, Martin Perea, Jeremiah Naranjo and Alden Chato. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert C. Naranjo, Eric Naranjo, Wyatt Velarde, Clyde Vicenti, Leonard Gonzales, Al Tavasci, Glenn Gutierrez, Kenneth Martinez, Regis Chavarria, and Jamie Naranjo.

The family of Robert G. Naranjo has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral home of the Espanola valley. (505)747-7477.