Florian A. Abeyta, Sr.

Florian Adriano Abeyta Sr., 83 of Aztec, NM returned to our Heavenly Father on September 20th , 2023, in Durango, CO surrounded by many loved ones. He was born in Lumberton, NM on April 19th , 1940, to Kate Abeyta. As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child,” so from a young age he was raised with his cousin Susie by his grandparents, Flora and Pedro Lucero; and
his aunts and uncles, Fidel and Theresa Lobato and Art and Ellie Sandoval. At the age of 12 they moved to Durango, CO when the mines closed in Rio Arriba County.

He met Teodorita Ulibarri in 1960 and they were married that September. Teodorita had two children (Dennis and Leo) from previous relationships, which Florian helped her raise. Florian and “Tita” welcomed a daughter, Cynthia in 1961 and a son, Florian Jr. in 1977. They raised their children in Durango.

Throughout his life, he had many professions, but he spent most of his career as a professional truck driver. He worked for the Victory Coal Mine, Morse Gravel Pit, San Juan Lumber, Giant Refinery, Engle Oil, Don Ward Trucking, Havens Trucking, and Sand co. His handle was the “Colorado Crusader”.

He is survived by his sons, Dennis G. Lucero, Leo E. Ulibarri, and Florian A. Abeyta Jr.; Mark and Rick Maez; his siblings, Dorothy Segura, Ricky Gallegos, Michael E. Gallegos, Pita Lopez, Teresa Barela, and Christina Gallegos; 13 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother; his grandparents; former wife, Teodorita Ulibarri; his daughter, Cynthia Abeyta Puryear; his siblings, Michael Gallegos, Viola Archuleta, Benny Gallegos, Freddie Gallegos, and Johnny Gallegos.

A rosary in his honor will be held on Thursday, September 28th at 6:30pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Durango, CO.     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Durango, CO on Friday, September 29th at 9:30am. Florian will be laid to rest at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango, CO following the Mass. A reception will be held at the church hall following the burial. The Family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time.