Henry Jaramillo

Henry Jaramillo 

1928-2023 

Henry Jaramillo, our precious father (age 95) and beloved husband to Elsie Ida Sanchez, passed away peacefully, amidst family on Aug. 20, 2023. He died of natural causes.  

There will be a celebration of life at a future date. You may contact Romero Funeral Home at 505-864-8501 for specific details.    

Henry Jaramillo’s extended family has been an anchor in the Belen Catholic Church and community for more than 100 years. He was born in Belen on June 12, 1928, to Henry T. Jaramillo and Casiana Aragon Jaramillo.  

The Jaramillo family grew large and continued to live in close proximity within the Belen community for more than 20 years, as they worked together to serve their community.    

First and foremost, in Henry’s inspirational life was his family. Henry was a devoted husband to his wife, Elsie, and father to five children.   

He is preceded in death by two sons, Eric and Eddie Jaramillo; his father and mother, Henry T. and Casiana; his brothers, Eddie and Alfonso Jaramillo; his sisters, Barbara Ortiz, Lucy Sanchez, Rose Aragon and Lena Frazee.  

Henry is survived by his wife of 73 years, Elsie. The surviving children of Henry include his three daughters, Paulette Hartman and her husband, Dennis Hale, Judy Janelle and her husband, Glen Haikin, and Cristina Jaramillo, all living in Albuquerque. Also, he leaves behind seven grandchildren, Triana Burdick, Troy Hartman, Erica Montoya, James Jaramillo, Breanne Serna, Jenna Jaramillo and Monique and Michael Jaramillo; as well as eight great-grandchildren, Christopher and Lila Burdick, Ben, Damian, Stefon and Mercedes Montoya, and Isabel and Sofia Jaramillo. Henry Jaramillo was also a beloved uncle to more than 50 nephews and nieces.   

Henry is also survived by two brothers, Gillie Jaramillo and Jerry Jaramillo; and his sister-in-law, Nury. Henry’s surviving in-laws and his wife, Elsie’s siblings are Al Sanchez and wife, Josie, of Santa Fe, Ray Sanchez and Matthew, of California, Andrew Sanchez, of Albuquerque, along with Elsie’s sister, Barbara and her husband, Phil Martinez, also of California.    

Although Henry’s career and influence throughout his hometown community of Belen was quite illustrious, what Henry is most remembered for are his values and character.  Many describe Henry as a noble giant. He spoke softly and believed in honesty, hard work and loyalty. He never stirred up controversy or conflict.   

Henry Jaramillo was generous and kind. His greatest attribute beyond his earthly successes was his humility.    

Henry Jaramillo was a loved and revered patriarch of the extended Jaramillo family, and he touched each member of his extended family in a special way. He was also a pillar in his community. The greatest accomplishment of all that Henry would be most proud of and the reason for his honorable legacy is best spoken by his family and friends who knew his true character.   

He is best described as a gentle, kind and very generous father, husband, grandfather, son-in law, great-grandfather and uncle, who encouraged and touched every member of his extended family. Never was an unkind word spoken by this gentle giant of a man. He inspired many through his unassuming, but highly perceptive leadership style, as well as his respect for those who sought his advice, encouragement and support.  

Over the years, Henry served his country in the Korean War, and his community not only as a successful business owner, but he was also a tireless servant in both public and private arenas. Mr. Jaramillo was a charter member and director of Ranchers Banks of Belen, and served as CEO from 1962-2006.  Henry served as county commissioner of Valencia County and chairman of the New Mexico State Police Board. He was one of the founding members of the Albuquerque Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.    

Henry Jaramillo served in the educational arena with a thoughtful and even-handed approach at the highest level of policy making. Mr. Jaramillo served at the University of New Mexico on the Board of Regents for 12 years and chairman of the Board of Regents for eight years.  

Mr. Jaramillo also founded the New Mexico School of Banking at the University of New Mexico in 1974, as well as served on the faculty.  

Throughout his banking career, Mr. Jaramillo was recognized and selected to serve for his expertise in the area of banking and finance. He served as president of the New Mexico Bankers Association. He became a member of the Governing Board of American Bankers Association, where he received several leadership awards and served on the Consumer Advisory Board of United States Treasury.   

Henry Jaramillo’s leadership and humanitarian efforts were recognized as a recipient of the National Jewish Lifetime Achievement Award and other awards of distinction and for his exceptional community service.  

Henry Jaramillo has now joined those loved ones who have predeceased him. May his beautiful soul and gentle spirit rest in peace. You will never be forgotten, dear precious father.  You gave us all the most valuable gift of all — your example of a well-lived and principled life.   

Henry Jaramillo will forever be remembered for the unconditional love he freely gave to others, and for his ability to lift others up though his faith and service to the Lord.    

In lieu of flowers, please give prayer offerings or contributions of your choice to a meaningful cause.  

Please sign Henry’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St.