Roger Naranjo

Roger Wayne Naranjo, 73, of Santa Clara Pueblo, passed away at his home on Sunday, 4 October

2026. He was born on 11 October 1952 at Todd Park Army Base in Tooele, Utah, to Raymond and

Lila Naranjo.

Roger was a well-respected and decorated police officer for over thirty years. He began his career

as a prison guard at the New Mexico State Penitentiary. He later served with the Española Police

Department, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Clara Pueblo, and the Southern Ute

Tribe.

Throughout his career, he held multiple leadership positions, including Chief of Police, Tribal

Sheriff, Tribal Council member, and SWAT director. He diligently guided and supported his

officers, led each department’s public safety efforts, and oversaw daily operations. He took great

pride in serving each community and earning the public’s trust. He was a recipient of the New

Mexico Medal of Valor in recognition of his extraordinary bravery and heroism in the line of duty.

Roger especially enjoyed spending time with his children, Patrick, Greg, Brandon, Savanna, and

Elenna, coaching them and watching them compete in sports. His pastimes included hunting in

Tsikumu, fishing in Costilla, and taking leisurely drives through the Santa Clara Canyon. He

enjoyed a wide variety of traditional and Hispanic cuisine, particularly the spiciest chile, and

relished every bite of homemade lemon meringue pie. He cherished gatherings with family, dear

friends, and loved ones, where Crown Royal flowed freely and the music of Smokey Robinson

filled the air.

He was a man of deep pride and quiet strength who valued his independence and never wanted to

burden those he loved. Even in difficult times, he preferred to carry his troubles privately. He was

a proud member of Santa Clara Pueblo, a protective public servant, a responsible brother, a loving

father, and devoted himself to caring for his aging parents.

He is survived by his children, Patrick, Greg, Brandon, Savanna, and Elenna; his grandchildren,

Darcey, Maya, Josette, and Evangeline; his sisters, Mil and Marian; his brothers, Alan, Daniel,

Gilbert, and James; his former spouses, Christina Naranjo and Nona Tafoya; and several nieces,

nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and

Lila Naranjo; his sister, Rhea; and his brother, Paul.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Roger’s life and memory. A rosary will be held

on Monday, 12 October 2026, at 4 p.m. at Rivera Funeral Home in Española, New Mexico. Funeral

services will be held on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Santa Clara Mission Church in

Santa Clara Pueblo. The designated pallbearers are Adrian Tafoya, Brandon Castillo, Chris

Naranjo, Daniel Naranjo, Darcey Redeye, Freddy Trujillo, Luciano Naranjo, Lyle Lomayma,

Orlando Roybal, Randy Trujillo, Raymond Naranjo, and Regis Chavarria. Honorary pallbearers

are Dave Trujillo, Gerald Montoya, Hal Koenig, and Randy Baca.

The Naranjo family is deeply grateful for the love, support, and heartfelt condolences shared during

this difficult time.