Roy Irving Arellano

It is with great sadness that the family of Roy I. Arellano, 69, of Albuquerque, NM, announce his passing. He was born in Arroyo Hondo, NM, to Eli and Gloria Arellano along with his 11 brothers and sisters. Passionate, stubborn, loud and protective, Roy and his siblings were exactly what you would expect with anyone brandishing the Arellano surname.

Roy is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lisa, daughter Angela, son-in-law Eric, son Skyler and his beloved dog, Milo.

Roy is also survived by his brothers and sisters and their spouses: Fred(Jackie), Gilbert(Pearl), Daniel(Kathy), Nadine(Ricky), Kathy(Bobby), Margaret(Rudy), Ralph(Karen), Eli(JoAnn), David, and Jacob(Christine). He is also survived by numerous family and friends.

Roy was preceded in death by his Father Eli, Mother Gloria, Brother Ricardo(Dickie), and beloved dogs Oscar and Brownie.

He graduated Taos High School in 1973 and moved to Albuquerque where he would begin his automotive career as a mechanic at a Chevron service station. It was here where he would meet his future wife, Lisa, who worked at a competing Exxon across the street. They would end up spending 50 years of their lives together.

Roy became a father, first to his daughter Angela and later to his son Skyler. Together they were the light in his eyes.

Roy was strong willed and a proud hard working man. As any good father does, Roy passed on key lessons to his children in his own subtle and simple ways. With Roy, you always knew where you stood. This was no different for his children, who he described as his best accomplishments. Roy instilled a strong work ethic in his children with truth and honesty and a bluntness that was sometimes too honest. His best advice was his simplest answer which took on some form of “Do whatever you feel you need to do, and I’ll support you. “ He was constantly proud of what they did, were doing and would do.

Roy had an unintentional sense of humor, often providing fond and everlasting nicknames to people he knew. If you were lucky enough, you had one. If you didn’t have one, you likely knew someone who did. These ‘Royisms’ existed on various levels, usually intertwined with sighs, laughs, head shakes, hand gestures, and perhaps the cherry on top, a need to repeat himself. It could be annoying as it could be endearing, but nonetheless it what was Roy did.

Roy was an avid fan of the NFL and a loyal Dallas Cowboy fan. He enjoyed collecting Cowboy memorabilia. He was passionate about every facet of the game, from attending live games in person, to the Super Bowl parties he gave every year. They were great fun and the memories legendary. The yelling and celebrating was loud. The games and prizes were grand. His famous posole was epic. Roy was happiest when he could combine the two things he enjoyed most: football and family.

After retiring in 2018, he spent time reading and completing word searches. He always had a radio on to listen to music and enjoyed watching old football games. Especially once the regular season ended. It would help get him through the months until the next season started.

Traveling would quickly become a new hobby that Roy would enjoy. His best years included numerous trips with his family to destinations both near and far. Whether it was by air, land or sea, Roy’s appreciation for different places and cultures continuously grew. ‘Where are we going next?’ was a question he would ask frequently. He was eager to see new places and add to his collection of hats, magnets, free toiletries, and travel guide magazines. ‘Get me a book!’ is what he would say to anyone traveling somewhere. He still had all of them, conveniently mixed with ticket stubs, receipts, and expired metro passes.

A beloved Husband, Father, Brother and friend, Roy will be greatly missed.

A funeral mass for Roy will be Friday, September 22 at 11:00am at St. Jude Thaddeus Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, with reception to follow at the Parish hall.