Leopoldo Serna

Leopoldo A. Serna, 90, a lifelong resident of Hernandez, NM, passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 18, 1930 in Hernandez, NM. He attended St. Michael’s High School and graduated in 1949.

After high school, Leo served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 until 1953.

After his military service, Leo attended the University of New Mexico and eventually became a Project Engineer for the State of New Mexico Highway Department. He worked on many of the major highway projects throughout the state, and retired after 25 years of service.

Leo enjoyed watching sports and spending time with his pets, especially his beloved poodle, Pepe. However, Leo’s priority in life was taking care of his family. He was an exceptional son, brother, and uncle, eventually becoming the father figure of the family after his father passed away.

Leo spent much of his time commuting between Albuquerque and Hernandez. He opened his home in Albuquerque to anyone that needed a place to stay, no matter if it was for the weekend or several years as they attended college. Leo was affectionately called “Uncle Leo”, not only by his nieces and nephews, but also to so many of their friends who had the good fortune of getting to know him.

He is survived by his sisters Jane Serna and Annadelle Sanchez (Max); nieces and nephews Melissa Robinson (JR), Kevin Norris, Kenny Norris, Stephen Sanchez (Melanie Vigil) and Erika Fleetwood (Jeret); great nieces and nephews Kayla Norris, Aaron Robinson, Savanna, Kevin, and Camryn Norris, Kristen Miera (Chris) and Jaxson and Lukas Fleetwood and great-great nephew and niece Kristopher and Paisley Miera.

Leo is preceded in death by his mother and father, Aggie and Leopoldo Serna; his sister, Betty Lou Norris; his aunt, Pilar Serna; and his nephew, Patrick Norris.

Pallbearers are Kevin and Kenny Norris, Stephen Sanchez, Joseph Salazar, Aaron Robinson and Jaxson Fleetwood.  Honorary Pallbearers are Martha Montoya, Arthur Martinez, Cornelio Sanchez, John Robinson, Kayla, Savanna, Kevin, and Camryn Norris, Jeret and Lukas Fleetwood, Chris, Kristen, Kristopher and Paisley Miera.

A rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at the San Juan Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh, NM. Burial to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert at P.O. Box 556, Blanco, NM 87412.

The family of Leopoldo A. Serna has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Leopoldo A. Serna, please visit our Tree Store.