J. Rumaldo Garcia

Jose Rumaldo Garcia 91, died peacefully on September 1, 2026. Rumaldo was born in Ranchos de Taos, NM in 1934 to Jose J. Garcia and Juanita Pacheco Garcia.

Rumaldo attended St. Francis parochial schools through the 8th grade. He graduated from Taos High School in 1954. Rumaldo married Cora A. Montoya in 1955, they remained a devoted and loving couple for 70 years.

In 1954 Rumaldo enlisted in the United States Air Force and after basic training was stationed in Northern Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1958 having been awarded the National Defense Service and Good Conduct medals. Rumaldo then served in the New Mexico Army National Guard for three years, being honorably discharged in 1961 with the rank of sergeant.

Rumaldo attended New Mexico Highlands University and earned his B.A. in 1962 and later his M.A. he majored in History and Government, minored in Spanish and General Science. His career as an educator spanned many decades, having taught at Taos High and Taos Junior High. He also coached football and basketball at the junior high. Rumaldo received educational stipends to the Catholic University of America and American University in Washington, D.C. While there he studied the Great Books of the Western World and 400 Years of the Coming of Columbus. After retired from Taos Municipal Schools, Rumaldo taught political science and New Mexico history at UNM-Taos for 16 years. He was inducted into the National Social Science Honor Society; Pi Gamma Mu in 1960.

Rumaldo was a life long faithful member of San Francisco de Asis Catholic church. He was lector, mayordomo and CCD instructor for many years. He actively participated in the annual enjarre of the church in his younger years and made contributions when he was no longer able to physically be there. He was also a member of the Taos Valley Knights of Columbus Council 7313 from 1979 to his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Juanita Garcia; brother Jose Candido Garcia, sisters Petra Marcella Garcia, Maria Luz Burt, and Theresa Rael; parents-in-law J.J. and Juanita Montoya; brothers-in-law Ernesto Montoya, Arturo Montoya and Philip Jess Rael; sisters-in-law Dolores Montoya and Eufracia Montoya; nephews, Fernando Rael, Dennis Montoya and Julian Montoya; nieces, Francine Rael-Van Court and Marcella Rael; and son-in-law Dave Herman.

Rumaldo is survived by his wife of 70 years, Cora Garcia; daughter, Maria Isabel Garcia, son, Francisco Rumaldo Garcia; grandson Pancho Jose Garcia; great-grandson Julian Jose Garcia; Patsy Vigil and Norman Vigil who were raised by Rumaldo’s parents, sister-in-law Lillian Martinez (Robert), former daughter-in-law Joann Hacker, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. 

Rosary will be recited on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 6pm. Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 11:00am both held at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church. Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 11:15am at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. 

The family of Jose Rumaldo Garcia has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019