Andrew J. Archuleta

     Andrew J. Archuleta, age 65, unexpectedly passed away at the cabin he built and loved so dearly on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. On Feb 24, 1958, he was born in San Juan, New Mexico to Gabriel & Josephine Archuleta.  At birth, he was named Jose Andres Archuleta but was more commonly known by Andrew, Andy, Jr, and Pops.

     Pops was a hard working man and a successful small business owner. The craftsmanship of Archuleta Construction can be found at many residences & businesses across the valley. He was a tradesman who specialized in concrete but was a jack of all trades who could get any job done.  Many times the job required a loving OIT (Old Indian Trick).  Pops was always just a call away any time a family, friend, or stranger needed a helping hand. Just a few years ago, he officially retired from his trade and was focused on his jobs around the house and at the cabin.  

     Pops was a God fearing man who was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.  His faith was important to him and he was often found sitting in the frontrow of mass with his family.  He took pride in sharing his faith with others and was the proud godfather of Joshua, Angelo, Rachael, Tara and Anjel.  His little pocket bible was his saving grace when his feathers were ruffled. 

     Out of all of his accomplishments, his family was his greatest treasure.  He had a very special Mother/Son bond with his Mother, Josephine.  His Mom was his whole heart.  He also loved very dearly his brothers; Amarante, & Frank, and his sisters; Rose, Merline, Gloria (Robert), Cruzita (Mike), Jenny, Ernestine, & Rhonda (Roddy).  He had many nieces and nephews who he held close to his heart.  His sister, Gloria, was his best friend and he looked forward to his daily calls with her.

     Pops first fell in love with his lifelong sweetheart, Debra. M Arellano, in the second grade.  Life took them in different directions and their love rekindled as adults.  On Oct. 21, 1998, Andrew and Debra tied the knot and created their combined tribe.  There is nothing he loved more than being “Papa Jr”.  He was a proud father of his 3 children; Jessica, Andres, and Alfonso, and his 2 stepdaughters; Sarah (Joshua) and Crystal.  He was a role model to many young men but took on a fatherly role to his honorary sons, Gilbert & Roman.

     He was also a very fun and loving grandfather.  The grandchildren loved hanging out with their Papa Jr.  He was known for giving rides in the bucket of the backhoe or pulling the kids on a makeshift sled at the cabin.  He also enjoyed taking walks with his grandchildren, teaching them how to water his special plants, or just spending quality time with them.  Though he loved his grandchildren fiercely he also was strict in his expectations. The grandchildren knew he meant business when he said, “Do you want a whoopin’?”.  That’s all he had to say and the kids would quickly start to behave (or they’d get the whoopin’).

     Pops was welcomed into heaven by his loved ones who passed before him; his Mother & Father, Gabriel & Josephine Archuleta, his siblings; Merline, Amarante, & Rose, his father-in-law, Manuel A. Arellano, and his “Brother” Joe.

     A viewing and rosary will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor (3651 S 900 E, Millcreek, UT 84106) on Wednesday, Oct 4, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 pm. The Viewing and Rosary can be viewed here.

     A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, Oct 5, 2023, starting promptly at 11:00 am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (4501 W 5215 S, Kearns, UT 84118). 

     Directly following the mass, a graveside service will be held at Valley View Cemetery (4335 W 4100 S, West Valley City, UT 84120), where Pops will be laid to rest and it will be “the end of his trail”.  A potluck style luncheon will be held at the family home. Please bring a dish to share, if you are able. If you need the address, please just ask a family member. 

     We love you and bye for now, Papa Jr.  Until our trails meet again!