Joe Arias

Joe ("Jose") A. Arias (1942-2025) passed away peacefully on August 30, surrounded by his loving family.

Known affectionately as "Pepe," Joe was born on October 6, 1942, in Roswell, New Mexico. He was one of ten children born to Paubla and Pedro Arias. A longtime resident of Jarales, NM, Joe had recently relocated to Los Lunas, NM.

Joe dedicated his career to the craft of butchery, working at Furr's, Adams, and Mathews, and sharing many memorable years alongside his best friend, Ray Chavez. He was cherished for his cheerful spirit and ever-present willingness to lend a hand. Joe had a deep passion for cooking—especially breakfast. He could often be found whistling joyfully to ranchera music as he prepared meals. His red chile became legendary within the family, a staple requested at every gathering and celebration.

On December 5, 1981, Joe married the love of his life, Berlinda. Together, they shared 44 beautiful years and raised their children: son, Rito, and daughters, Antoinette, Monica, and Jessica. Joe cherished his time in Jarales, where he enjoyed being close to his in-laws and took pride in maintaining his yard—often seen riding his lawn mower with a sweatband, hard at work.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Berlinda Arias of Jarales; his son, Rito Arias, and Rito's children: daughters Christina (Juan), Amanda (Luke), Araceli, Julissa, and Antoinette, and son, Angelo. He is also survived by his daughter, Monica Santiago (Carlos), and their children: Lucas, Leah, and Roman; and his daughter, Jessica Arias.

Joe is also survived by his grandson, Jose Arias (and his companion, Renee Monteverde); and his great-grandchildren: Miliana, Christian, Isabella, Joselynn, Christian A., Aneliz, Johnny, Zyeli, and Jahaziah. His surviving siblings include sisters, Nancy Gonzalez, Carmen Carrillo, Clara Alaniz, and Alice Villareal (Henry); as well as brothers, Robert Arias (Edith) and Richard Arias. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Paubla Arias; his sister, Reynalda Candia Arias; brothers, Raymond, Peter, and Johnny Arias; his daughter, Antoinette Arias; and grandson, Robert "Bobby" Montoya.

Funeral services for Joe will take place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at San Francisco Xavier Catholic Mission in Jarales, NM. A visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m., followed by a rosary at 10:30 a.m., and a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Joe will be laid to rest on Friday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Rito Arias, Leonard Arias, Carlos Santiago, Lucas Baca, Roman Santiago, and Danny Hester.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jose Arias, Dennis Trujillo, Anthony Trujillo, Daniel Trujillo, Patrick Gallegos, Garrette Gallegos, Carlos Trujillo, Mathew Trujillo, Robert Trujillo, Jason Thrasher, Noah Jaramillo, Justin Hester, Raymond Trujillo, Tommy Guzman, Joe Jaramillo, and Ray Chavez.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joe Arias, please visit our floral store.