Deacon Eugene Tuma

Deacon Gene Tuma, age 89, was called from this life to his new life on Saturday, January 11, 2020, with his family by his side.  Deacon Gene was the youngest of thirteen children, he was born in 1930 to Charles and Eva Tuma, in a small town in Wisconsin.  He is survived by his wife, Arlyne, of 64 years; children, James and wife, Anna Marie, Christine and husband, Victor, Paula and husband, Kerry.  He was also a loving grandpa to numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Deacon Gene will always be remembered for his fatherly concern and love for all of his family.   Deacon Gene was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe on June 7, 1981.  His diaconal ministry enabled him to serve on the Chaplain staff at the former St. Joseph West Mesa Hospital as well as the Chaplain for Bernalillo County Fire Dept. District 7.  He also served as the Associate Director of the Permanent Diaconate from 1996 to 2002 and served as deacon in a number of parishes including, St. Jude Thaddeus, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Community.  Gene officially retired from active ministry on June 7, 2002 but remained on the Holy Rosary staff, part-time, until October 31, 2017, at which time he and his wife, Arlyne, once again became members of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church.

Deacon Gene was a compassionate and caring person always ready and willing to do all he could for those in need.  He loved his family and was always at their side and ready to be of help.  He was a great friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be Friday, January 17, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd.  NW, with a Vigil service to start at 8:00 p.m.  A final visitation will be Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.  Private disposition will take place at a later date.

Pallbearers will be Jim Tuma, Kerry Platow, Robert Platow, George Meyerson, David Stinson, Adrian Gomez, Phillip Tuma and Vic DeMarco.

It was Deacon Gene’s wish that in lieu of flowers please make a contribution to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic parish and The Norbertine Community.

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