Wilfred Joseph Quintana

Wilfred J. Quintana was born on May 27, 1939, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to Abel and Aurora Quintana. The love of our lives left this world unexpectedly on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Quintana; his sons, Joseph Quintana and Kenneth Quintana and his wife, Myhanh Nguyen; and his grandson, Keith Quintana, whom he lovingly raised as his son. He is also survived by his daughters, Anna Belian and Patricia Moore and her husband, Zack Moore; and by his niece, Barbara, who was raised as his daughter. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Jason, Nicole, Christopher, and Michael; and his great-grandchildren, Jared, Alexis, Alana, and Aubryana.

Wilfred is also survived by his brother, Leroy Quintana; his sister, Marybelle Crutchfi eld; his godchildren, Lily Marlene Segura, Maria Elena Valdez, Deric Valdez, and Tammy Salinas; his sister-in-law, Beatrice Baca; his brother-in-law, Alex Valdez and his wife, Nora, and his special brother-in-law, Tony Valdez. He is also survived by numerous friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as his little Chihuahua, Elbie, who is still looking for her Grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Abel and Aurora Quintana; his sisters, Annabelle Quintana and Enedine Gonzales; his sister-in-law, Maxine Quintana; and his brothers-in-law, Merle Crutchfi eld and Eloy Gonzales.

Wilfred earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He began his teaching career in Kayenta, Arizona, and later taught in Grants, New Mexico. In 1968, he moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he taught at DeVargas Junior High School and later became Assistant Principal under Rose Fidel. Upon the retirement of his friend Frank Montoya, Wilfred became Principal at Alameda Junior High School and retired from education in 1995 after a distinguished 27-year career.

In 1997, Wilfred began working as Assistant Sergeant at Arms in the New Mexico House of Representatives. He continued his service with dedication and integrity, eventually retiring as Sergeant at Arms after 24 years of enforcing order and maintaining the dignity of the House of Representatives.

Wilfred was a lifelong, devoted member of St. John’s Catholic Church, where his faith was an enduring source of strength and guidance throughout his life. The rosary will be

recited at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 1301 Osage Ave.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

“I’m gonna miss you”

Virg