Michael Visarraga

Michael “Mike” J. Visarraga of Peñasco, age 65, passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2023. He was born to George and Oralia Visarraga, in Embudo, NM,

Graduated from Peñasco High School in 1976, and went on to attend Northern NM Community College, in El Rito where he got his certificate in paint and body work. 

He is preceded in death by his father, George Visarraga; paternal grandparents, Abel and Senida Visarraga; maternal grandparents, Fernando and Ofelia Lopez; sister-in-law, Catherine Visarraga; and uncles Abreliano, John, and Tony Visarraga.

Mike was a bus driver for the Peñasco Independent Schools for many years, a Taos County truck driver, grandma’s security guard and personal driver, he was generous, humble, a man of few words, “gopher” go for, and especially loved cruising to the smoke shop, the dump, commodities, and the post office. And loved his doggies. 

He is survived by his children, daughter Clarice (Fidel) Lopez, son Abel (JoAnn) Visarraga; grandchildren Jerome, Jayleni, Celeste and Johnny; Mother of his children Mary Jane Casados; Mother, Oralia Visarraga; brothers, Wayne (Eutimia) Visarraga, Herbert (Valerie) Visarraga, Eugene Visarraga, Norman Visarraga, and Alonzo (Grace) Visarraga; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. As well as his dog Pepito and many, many friends. 

Michael was a man of few words.  He was humble and generous. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Rosary will be recited on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 7pm at San Antonio De Padua Catholic Church in Peñasco. Funeral mass will be on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 11am at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Peñasco with burial to follow at Las Trampas Cemetery.  

The family of Michael “Mike” J. Visarraga has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019