Roberto Mondragon

Roberto Mondragón July 27, 1940 – January 6, 2026 Roberto “Bobby” Mondragón passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 at approximately 11:00 p.m. in Española, New Mexico due to natural causes. He was 85 years old. Born in Anton Chico, New Mexico, his humble beginnings shaped the values he carried throughout his life—hard work, humility, faith in people, and an unshakable belief that leadership should serve everyday families. Roberto served two terms as Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico and became one of the most prominent Hispanic elected officials in the region. Across decades of public service, he championed workers and working families, rural communities, youth opportunity, and dignity for elders. He was deeply committed to land-grant justice in New Mexico, supporting land-grant heirs and community land grants in protecting communal lands and rights promised under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Beyond politics, Roberto was a storyteller, musician, and cultural ambassador. Through recordings, community performances, and bilingual broadcasting, he celebrated the language, humor, and heritage of New Mexico. Roberto also co-owned and operated the non-profit Aspectos Culturales with his business partner, Georgia Roybal, creating culturally based bilingual learning materials for students across New Mexico. Roberto is preceded in death by his wife Maria Ysabel (Bell), parents Severo Mondragón and Lucia Aragon Mondragón, brothers Ramon and Peter, sister Marcella, son Julian Jaramillo and daughter Gerry Jaramillo, He is survived by his sisters Stephanie Bradshaw and Loretta Alvarez, sister-in-law Prudy Mondragón, brother Fred Mondragón, sister-in-law Connie Vance Mondragón, son Robert Anthony (Tony) Mondragón; grandchildren Robel (Chacho) Taylor, Rico Taylor, Danielle Jaramillo, Julian Joseph Jaramillo, and Bonita Crowder; great-grandchildren Emma Sandoval, Diamar Taylor, Robel Cisco Taylor, Tatiyana Taylor, Taio Taylor, Kately Marquez, Kaylyn Marquez and Juanito Marquez; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many beloved friends and neighbors. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where a praying of the rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by a eulogy and funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.