William Baca Tafoya, 78, of Goodyear, passed away on April 25, 2026, at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Burnie, Md., after falling ill following an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. with fellow veterans.
William (Bill) was born in Winslow, to Aurelio and Lydia (Baca) Tafoya.
Bill attended Tempe High School and, at the age of 17, volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army. First stationed in Alaska, then deployed to Vietnam, where he served with the 25th Infantry Division as a Tunnel Rat—one of the most dangerous roles in the war. He was awarded three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; son, Christopher; brothers, Ernest, James and Rudolph (Rudy); and half-brother, Alex Gonzales.
He is survived by his wife, Erin Jennings Tafoya of Goodyear; sons, Richard of Mesa and Eric (Cindy) of Phoenix; sister, Diana Taylor (Greg) of Gilbert; brother, Arthur (Belinda) of Winslow; and many in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and his fur companions, Rudy and Sophie.
A scripture service will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on Monday, May 11, at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home, 9925 W. Thomas Road in Avondale. Prior to that will be a private viewing at 10 a.m., followed by a gathering at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the services at 12:45 p.m. with full military honors.
