Tomás (Tom) Roybal

It's not just that Tom didn't like hospitals. He wanted to get home in case things didn't work out. He said he'd “make a run for it” if that's what it took to get away from his hospital bed. Nothing like that was needed.Tom got home and three days later he left this world following a brief illness that came home with him from the hospital. Tom, till the end, did things his way. Perfection eludes us all. But Tom, like those whom he admired, often gave without taking.

Tomás (Tom) Roybal of San Pedro died Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Attentive family members rarely left his side.Tom's home was where he was raised since his birth in Española on April 6, 1962. He was the last-born child of Stella Vigil Roybal and Amos Roybal. Both his parents preceded him in death. So did his older brother, Tim, of Medanales.

Tom poured his heart and soul into preserving the family home and his mother's substantial flower garden that graced the property.

Although he touched the hearts and contributed to the lives of many around him, Tom enjoyed solitude. Solitude often was his lone companion as he all but gave free rein to his Harley or, more purposefully, drove his pickup deep into forests to harvest firewood for himself and others. For hours on many days, he'd carve on wood of a different sort, creating heirloom crosses and treasured furniture.

Tom was a man of few words. Humble, too. He would have preferred just a few lines telling of his passing. Aware of it all, a neighbor offered these brief comments upon learning of Tom's death: “Tom was a true friend and neighbor. He showed up when you needed him. He asked no questions and gave his time freely. He gave his all to every task and stayed until the work was complete.” Tom might have blushed had he heard those words. But, oh, they would have made his mother and father proud. For many who stay behind, the fond memory will always follow Tom's name.

Tom is survived by his beloved companion, Cecilia Ortiz. They gave spirited life to one another for decades.Together they gave birth to four children: Daniel (Tiffany) and their children, Nikki Lee, Isaac, and Anthony; Andrea (Fabian) and their children, Joey, Destiny, Natalie, Nicolas and Kameron; Erik and Adrian; siblings: Elsa (Alfonso) Trujillo, Sylvia Roybal, and David (Marlene) Roybal; best friend: Steven Borrego.

Services are pending.

The family of Tomas "Tom" Roybal has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505-747-7477