Ross Rosendo Aranda

Ross Aranda, age 85, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on February 3, 2025. Ross is survived by his wife of thirty years, Lorraine Calles-Aranda; children, Debbie Torres and husband, Benjamin, Janet Aranda, Beverly Aranda, Michael Aranda and wife, Anna Lucero-Aranda, James Aranda and wife, Melanie, Mark Aranda and wife, Raquel; step-son, Vincent Martinez and partner, Lauren McGehee, grandchildren, Jessica, Brianna, David, Tessa, Ross, Matthew, Tomas, Gloria, Jacob, Avery; great-grandson, Jayvis Jr.; siblings, Robert Aranda and wife, Anna, Richard Aranda and wife, Cecilia, Joe Aranda and wife, Theresa, Manny Aranda and wife, Angie, Helen Joy Madrid and husband, Augustine, Patty Garcia, Sarah Vandeveer, Azelle Garcia and Martin Aranda. He was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Helen Aranda; brother Pete Aranda and wife, Dee; brothers in-law, Salvador Garcia and Al Garcia. Ross served his country proudly in the United States Navy where he was honorably discharged. He went on to continue to serve his community in the Albuquerque Fire Department where he retired as a Deputy Fire Chief. He was a devout catholic and was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church where he attended Mass regularly.  Pallbearers will be James M. Aranda, Mike Aranda, Mark Aranda, David Torres, Matthew Torres, and Tomas Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Brianna Medrano, Tessa Jenner, Ross Chavez,  Richard Aranda, Martin Aranda, Manny Aranda, Joe Aranda, Jacob Aranda and Gloria Aranda. Visitation will be held in The Gabaldon Memorial Chapel 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A final visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church 5415 Fortuna Rd. NW with Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery 501 N. Guadalupe St. in Santa Fe. 

Rosendo “Ross” Aranda, 85, died peacefully at home on Monday, February 3, 2025 with his loving family by his side. He was born April 27, 1939 in Atrisco, New Mexico. Born to Tony Herrera Aranda and Helen Aranda (Alaríd), Ross was the fifth eldest of eleven brothers and sisters. Ross was a proud Navy veteran, serving on the USS Lexington in a tour of duty in the Pacific from 1957-1960. 

Ross was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who deeply loved his familia and friends and was strongly committed to the values of honesty, integrity, and public service. He rose the ranks as a firefighter and served as Deputy Chief of the Albuquerque Fire Department until his retirement in 1985. 

After retirement, Ross became a licensed contractor and home builder and later in life, served as an election worker for the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office. 

A recipient of numerous accolades, certifications, and appointments to boards and commissions, Rosendo was a lifelong learner who earned Bachelor’s and Associate’s Degrees from the University of Albuquerque. 

Ross was a founding member and President of the International Association of Fire Fighters 1455. In 1980 as IAFF #1455 President, Ross was instrumental in securing higher pay, sick leave, and guaranteed retirement benefits for Albuquerque Firefighters and their beneficiaries. As Deputy Chief of AFD, Ross professionalized the Department, growing its ranks and improving equipment and technology, while establishing and equipping AFD’s HAZMAT response team toward the end of his tenure. 

As a proud lifelong Democrat and Westside resident, Ross was politically astute and an active supporter of democratic and progressive initiatives throughout his life. He stood for working class values and the interests of blue collar families throughout New Mexico. Ross was a strong advocate for equitable and sustainable community development in all neighborhoods—but especially in Albuquerque’ growing neighborhoods west of the river.

A sixth generation Atrisco Land Grant Heir, Rosendo instilled a strong connection to the land and a thirst for embracing our history and culture in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Always proud of his garden and fruit trees, Ross was an avid agriculturalist for many years. In his later years, he enjoyed regular hunting and fishing trips with family and could often be found trekking along the Bosque trails or on the West Mesa with his dog in tow. 

Ross was a dedicated Catholic, and a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Parish and a beloved mentor in the Parish’s ACTS community. Ross is survived by a large and loving family—both blood and chosen family—and many, many, many close and loving friends. May the values he lived and believed live on in all of us.