Liberato "Libby" Abraham Jaramillo

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Liberato “Libby” Abraham Jaramillo. Libby was born January 1, 1926, in Guadalupe, New Mexico. Raised in modest means, he grew up and at the age of 18, joined the United States Navy. Barely an adult, Libby was determined to prove his courageousness by joining a branch of service that challenged his skill level. Armed with his wits, and a forearm tattoo even the Navy considered not suitable for work, he gathered his personal belongings and grudgingly agrees to clothe his inked female companion.

After serving his country honorably, he found his lifelong companion, Seferina “Fina” Maldonado. A strong and capable woman, even for the times, one who shared his passion for hairdressing and, together, they became the beautician and the barber.

Libby spent two years as a sailor, swayed by the water. After being discharged, Libby and Fina were swayed by music and spent their evenings cutting paths through dance halls. Together they charted a future, one that began with the births of their three children, Michael, Judith, and Christopher.

Ever the rebel, Libby’s other passion was operating a clandestine still in his backyard. He glorified in being a barber by day and a distiller of moonshine by night. He honed his craft for decades but was forced to give it up not long after the passing of his beloved wife in 2016.

In later years, Libby and Fina obtained property in Antonito, Colorado where the families were able to holiday together in the peaceful mountains. They built a barbershop on the property where Libby offered haircuts and sips of moonshine to the neighbors and friends. He shared his passion for the outdoors and took his children and grandchildren fishing in the river. He scared his grandchildren about stories of bears coming in search of the fish they caught, delighting in the fear it evoked.

Libby was a reserved man who showed his affection in other ways. You knew you were loved if he playfully punched your arm. You knew he cared about your safety even when he told you to go play in traffic. He was always trying to show everyone how strong he was by flexing his arms. He proved his strength by surviving the passing of his wife by nearly 7 years and hanging on for days after everyone thought the end to be near. Libby’s heart may have stopped beating at the age of 97 on March 20, 2023 but is legacy lives on in the family who surrounded him at the end. He and Fina are reunited and dancing together again at last. Libby is survived by his three children, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Libby will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Fina, at Fairview Memorial Park on April 3, 2023, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family is accepting donations towards the New Mexico VA Medical center of Hospice