- Date Of Death: November 13, 2016
- State: New Mexico
Mayor Tony J. Jaramillo, oldest son of Juan and Flora Jaramillo, left this often difficult place we call life on his journey to join his beautiful bride Gloria Jean Bowers Jaramillo on a beautiful bright Sunday morning, November 13, 2016 with his children at his side. Anthony Joseph Jaramillo and Gloria Jean Bowers were married for 64 wonderful years and were blessed with eight beautiful, loyal and genuinely respectful and caring children. Tony was preceded in death by his soulmate Gloria; his eldest daughter, Alberta Marie; second eldest son, Christopher Jean; daughter-in-law, Teresa Angelina; and nephew, Joseph Wills; his parents, Juan and Flora Jaramillo; and many other family members during his lifetime. Tony is survived by his children, Tony Jr., Gary Randolph, Jonathan Robert, Melissa Jeanelle, Stuart Ryan and Noah Demetrius. He is also survived by his siblings, Bella, Leah, Gloria, Lorraine, Corina, Andy and Frank.
Tony was an avid fan of politics and was involved all of his life. He earned the respect of elected officials from city hall to Washington. He was an all-state all-star athlete during his time in high school and attended Lourdes catholic school for a time in his youth. Everyone knew Tony in their childhoods as manager of the Loma theatre where he made many children’s dreams come true every Sunday and on Holidays. Socorroan’s have a special place in their hearts for Tony because of the wonderful things he did for all of Socorro’s Children at the Loma. He made so many Thanksgivings, Christmases and Easter dreams come true for scores of Socorro children who otherwise would not have had a holiday. Some called the Loma “our little Disneyland.” It did his heart good to see the smiles on the thousands of little faces he took in to his place of fantasy every Sunday afternoon.
Tony was the longest serving Insurance and Real Estate Broker/Agent in Socorro County, the Socorro County Democratic County Chairman for over 30 years, school board member and President, Justice of the Peace, Hispano Chamber founder and President, City Councilman and Mayor. His dedication to Socorro and his neighbors was second to none. His dreams for our city and our people were always his number one priority.
He spent his life helping his family and others while working so very hard on improving the look, stability and reputation of the City of Socorro, the city he so loved and cherished. His accomplishments are still standing and are still huge parts of what Socorro became during his tenure at the helm while in City hall. His wish in his final years was that the councilors and Mayor finally put citizens and the future of Socorro before themselves again in an unselfish and giving way. The respect that people had for Tony came from his firm handshake, promises and follow thru on those promises and his word without waver – ever. His integrity was second to none, and his quiet but steadfast demeanor always gave him the answers to hard questions, and in turn he gave his thoughtful answers to others.
His connections with representatives, senators, governors and even presidents helped Socorro grow at an unprecedented rate during his time in office. No other Mayor in the history of Socorro has accomplished anywhere near what he, his administration, and the huge number of his friends and dignitaries in Santa Fe and Washington accomplished together, as they so enjoyed working hand in hand with Mayor Jaramillo throughout the years. His connection and friendships with many NMT Presidents was something to behold and was unprecedented in New Mexico. Everything done by Mayor Jaramillo was done for the people who elected him, and that was always his first priority his whole life.
