Michael Romolo Tafoya

Michael Romolo Tafoya, 60, passed away in Show Low, Friday, June 21, 2019. Michael lived in St. Johns where he was born November 28, 1958.

Michael graduated from St. Johns High School in 1976 and went on to attend college at Phoenix Community College eventually transferring to Northern Arizona University to pursue a degree in engineering. During college Michael was diagnosed with a disabling condition and eventually returned to St. Johns where he lived out his life. Michael was a well-known staple of the community. As an avid St. Johns Redskins football fan, he attended most games during the football season. He was such a fan that the St. Johns High School administration would give him a season pass and his own parking spot at the football field.

Michael loved his community and enjoyed visiting with community members at local establishments. The St. Johns community loved and embraced Michael and he had a “helping hand” at every step of his disabling condition and life. Michael had so much support that he was able to be the “best” he could be. He was a peer supporter of his group at Little Colorado Behavioral Health Center and progressed into running group sessions and activities eventually becoming a board member. Michael was very proud of that position and kept up with meetings and functions until his physical health would not allow him to participate a few years ago.

Michael was the oldest of three boys born to Lupe and Patricia Tafoya of St. Johns.

His father, Lupe Tafoya, who passed away three years ago, precedes Michael in death.

Surviving family members include his brothers, Rockie (Laureen) Tafoya, Tucson; Andrew (Ladonna) Tafoya, Queen Creek; beloved nieces and nephews, Erik Tafoya, Logan Myers, Ethan Myers, Colton Hopwood, Tiana Hopwood, A.J. Tafoya, Stevi Zozoya and Reese Tafoya, and Michael’s favorite great-niece, Mila Hopwood.

The Tafoya family is truly grateful to the community of St. Johns, nurses and staff of Haven of Show Low and Hospice of Show Low. Your help and support during this trying time can’t be over stated. Thank you.

A viewing will be held Friday June 28, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St. Johns, with Rosary following at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. also at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services at the St. Johns Catholic Cemetery.