Robert Luis Rael

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved patriarch Robert Rael at age 72. He departed this life surrounded by his family at the family home in Santa Fe, NM after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was always an extremely hard-working provider for his family. He began his 29-year career in 1972 with the State of New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs where he worked until his retirement in 2001. During his time with the State of New Mexico, he met many lifelong friends. He also worked for Design Warehouse where one of those friends, Larry Keller hired him to be the warehouse manager for 30 years. He would always say “I know the math doesn’t add up” but he worked days with Design Warehouse and nights with the State of New Mexico. Also, for a short time he worked nights at Senor Murphy’s Candy Factory, making pinon brittle and cleaning after the day shift ended their candy making.

His family was important to him, from humble beginnings with his Grandmother Pablita Trujillo, he learned many life lessons that he treasured until his death. He often spoke of those lessons during family get togethers, camping, fishing, and hunting trips. He loved being surrounded by family and made a point to attend every possible family event he could. It was very heartwarming that so many of his loved ones made time to stop by during the last “camping trip” that took place on his property for the fourth of July.

He was also an avid Mopar enthusiast who treasured his car collection: a 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner, 1973 Dodge Challenger and his new off the showroom 2009 Dodge Challenger. All his loved ones showered him with a collection of everything Mopar memorabilia.

He is preceded in death by his son Daniel Rael, mother Annie Montoya, stepfather Daniel Montoya, Grandmother who raised him Pablita Trujillo, nephew Patrick Baca, In-laws Ramon and Mollie Coriz, Brother-in-laws Henry and Jerome Coriz, nieces Denise and Stephanie Coriz.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years Ernestine “Tina” Rael; daughters Jessica, Laurie, and son Justin Rael (Cheryl Dean), grandchildren Jacob and Jeremy Rael, sisters Marie McClure and Diane Baca (John Trujillo), sisters-in-law Marian Coriz (James Payne), Arlene Coriz, and Yvonne Coriz, brother-in-law Robert Coriz (Kelly). He also leaves behind cherished nephews Terrell McClure (Bianca), Steven McClure, Michael Baca (Amanda Britt), David, Michael, Christopher Payne, Jordan Coriz (Danielle), Sean Coriz, and Jared Coriz, nieces Evangoline Sisneros, Danielle Varela (Justin), Christa Romero, Mollie Cambise (Christion) and many great nieces and nephews and extended family members.

The family would like to express a special thanks to his friends that helped with his last “to-do list”; Julian and Audrey Gonzales, Pat Padilla, Tom Peters, Cynthia Baca, Richard Visarraga, Jose Cardenas, and Gabriel Martinez. He treasured the time spent with each of you and it gave him great pride and joy in what was accomplished in such a short amount of time.

Pallbearers will be Terrell McClure, Michael Baca, Robert Coriz, James Payne, Michael Payne, and Sean Coriz. Honorary Pallbearers will be Justin Rael, Jacob Rael, Jeremy Rael and Steven McClure.