Amado J. Fajardo, 93, of Las Cruces died Monday, August 7, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family at his side. Chapo, as he was fondly known to family and friends, was born March 28, 1930 in Rodey, New Mexico to Samuel and Juanita Jaramillo Fajardo. He was a devout Catholic and served as an altar boy as a child and was Head Usher at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral for many years. Amado started working at a very early age for the State of New Mexico Highway Department as a surveyor under the supervision of Mr. Ray Polk. In February 1951, Amado enlisted in the Army where he served until February 1953. After returning from the Army, he met the love of his life Mercedes Ponce from Deming, New Mexico. They were married on May 2, 1954 and went to live in Reserve, New Mexico where they started their family. Shortly after they moved to Las Cruces. In 1954, Amado began working at White Sands Missile Range as a Civil Engineer. After many years, Amado transferred to the Building and Grounds Department where he became the supervisor until his retirement in 1986. During the many years he worked at WSMR, he received many Awards of Accomplishment from the Commanding Officers. In March 29, 1982, Amado received STS-3 Special Achievement Award for his exceptional contribution to the successful landing of the Columbia Space Shuttle under extreme conditions at the White Sands Northrup Strip. In 1987, Amado along with his daughter and son-in-law bought Mesilla Park Ace Hardware and managed it until 2001. During the time he was managing the Ace Hardware store, he also had time to take his wife on many adventures together. They loved to travel all over the United States as well as Canada and Mexico. After the closing of the store, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends traveling. Amado is survived by his two daughters Maria Fajardo-Zucconi and husband Harold, and Martha Fajardo and Robert Florez all of Las Cruces, NM; grandchildren Matthew Fajardo (Jenny P), Maricela and Daniel Fajardo, Alvaro Florez (Christy); great grandchildren Andrea Baltran (Ryan) and Aaliyah Castillo, Jacqueline and Alvaro Florez Jr.; great, great grandchildren Isabella and Mia Baltran and Camila Florez. Brothers Tommy Fajardo (Mira), Ramon Fajardo, David Fajardo and Perfecto Fajardo (Mary) and sisters Juanita Bustamante, Virginia Pino and Natalia Wilson (Ric) and many nieces and nephews. Amado was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Mercedes P. Fajardo, parents Samuel and Juanita Fajardo, brother Samuel Fajardo Jr., sister-in law Teresa Fajardo, sisters Anastacia Fajardo, Arcelia Gonzalez, Annie Luchini and son Manuel P. Fajardo. Pallbearers are Matthew Fajardo, Daniel Fajardo, Alvaro Florez, Alvaro Florez Jr., Gavin LeBow and Ricardo Renteria. A visitation is scheduled for Monday, August 21, 2023 in the Getz Funeral Home Chapel from 5pm-7pm with the recitation of the Rosary to beginning at 7pm. The Funeral Liturgy is scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 9:30 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. We would like to thank Dad's doctors, Dr. Art Snyder MD and Dr. Mario R. Aguilar PC and Monica Lau FNP, DNP. First Visitation
Monday, August 21, 2023 5:00pm - 7:00pm,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel
1410 E. Bowman Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Service Information
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 9:30am,
Holy Cross Catholic Church
1327 N Miranda St
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005
Rosary Service
Monday, August 21, 2023 7:00pm,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel
1410 E. Bowman Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Interment Location
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 11:30am,
Hillcrest Memorial Gardens
Address Not Available
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