Steven Mark Bransford

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Steven Mark Bransford. Steven, age 54, passed away on January 12, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born on February 21, 1971, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to Jim and Linda Bransford.

Steven was preceded in death by his father, Jim Bransford; his paternal grandparents, Alex and Polly Bransford; his paternal uncles, Billy, Louie, Ricky, and Ted Bransford; his paternal aunts, MaryAnn, Juanita, and Bernadette Bransford; his maternal grandparents, John and Doris Holland, and maternal uncles Craig, John and Jeff Holland.

He is survived by his beloved and only son, Aiden Santiago Bransford, who was the pride and joy of his life; his mother, Monica Martinez, and her parents, George and Bernadette Martinez; his sister-in-law, Kathleen Golik (Konrad), and her children, Kaden, Kiera, and Kayla.

Steven is also survived by his mother, Linda Vick (Larry); his sisters, Merit Vick (Sam) and their child Ondine, Whitney Vick (Terry) and their children Mina and Garrett; Paternal Aunts Lucile and Dolores; Paternal Uncles Michael, Philip, Arthur and Ben; Maternal Aunt Deborah and Maternal Uncles Chris and Patrick.

He is also survived by many loving cousins whom he considered brothers and sisters. Steve was a true pillar of his family—admired, respected, and deeply loved by all who knew him.

Steve grew up between New Mexico, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Texas, experiences that helped shape his open-hearted nature and deep appreciation for people from all walks of life. After spending his early years with his mother in Texas, he moved to Albuquerque at the age of 15 to live with his father, where he later graduated from Del Norte High School in 1989. He went on to attend the University of New Mexico and California State University, Chico, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, ultimately earning his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico in 1995.

Steven was known for his captivating, fun-loving, energetic, and deeply empathetic personality. He was generous, kind, gentle, and wonderfully spontaneous, with an energy that could light up any room and a laugh that will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him. His love for life, family, and people was genuine and contagious, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Above all else, Steve loved his son, Aiden, and took immense pride in being his father. His memory will live on through the countless lives he touched with his warmth, humor, and compassion.

Services will be held at Rivera’s Funeral Home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Please send any flowers directly to Rivera’s Funeral Home by January 30th, 2026.