Joseph Raymond Carrillo

Joseph Raymond Carrillo, known to most as Ray, passed away on May 11, 2026 at his home in Veguita New Mexico after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 73 years old. Born on June 3, 1952 in Socorro New Mexico to Joe Carrillo and Ofelia Serna.

Ray grew up with a spirit that was equal parts warmth, humor, and quiet strength. Ray was married young, at just eighteen years old to Elizabeth and soon after they started a family. Ray embraced the role he was born to
play: FATHER.

Ray dedicated 32 years of his working life to the Valencia County Road Department as a heavy equipment operator, a career he carried out with the same steady dependability he brought to everything. But music was where Ray's soul truly came alive.

Over the years he played in several bands and was a proud member of Enchanted 4, traveling to senior centers throughout Albuquerque to play for the dances and bring joy to everyone in the room. Even at home, you could often find him playing solo and filling the house with the sounds he loved.

Ray was a happy man and a natural jokester who had nicknames for just about everyone in his life. He loved trips to the casino with his partner Frances Chavez and found peace in simple things. Whether it was watering his grass and trees, sitting at the park enjoying the weather, or settling in to watch old westerns like Gunsmoke and Bonanza.

Ray's kindness was legendary. He was always there for anyone who needed him, and he carried a positive attitude even when life got tough. Throughout his cancer journey he stayed strong and never complained, even when he was in pain.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Ofelia Serna and Joe Carrillo; his daughter, Jennifer Carrillo; sister, Mary Enriquez; brother, Bruce Adams; and his grandchildren, DeAnna Cervantes and Emmanual Duran.

Ray is survived by his partner, Frances Chavez; his children, Maxine Smith, Raymond Carrillo, Lisa Carrillo, and Crystal Carrillo; brother Eusebio Carrillo Sr his sister Josie Lopez as well as Elizabeth Gonzalez, son-in-law Andrew Smith, special sister-in-law Pamela Felix and numerous grandchildren, nephews and nieces along with many dear friends whose lives he touched.

Ray's family holds him close with these words: "You were always the perfect dad in each and every way. So loving, kind and thoughtful, you're missed so much each day. A simple man with a giant heart that was there for everyone. Even though we are apart, you will live
FOREVER in my heart. In loving memory of a very special man and as daddy would say "I LOVE YOU MOST!"

Services for Ray will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church in Belen, NM. A visitation will be held at 9:00 am, followed by a rosary at 9:30 am. Mass will be recited at 10:00 am. Ray will be laid to rest immediately following the mass at the San Juan Cemetery in Veguita, NM.

Pallbearers will be Raymond Carrillo, Joshua Carrillo, David Cervantes, Luis Franco, Andrew Smith, Mark Rael, Gabriel Chavira, and Adrian Chavira.

Joseph's 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

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