Juan Francisco Herrera

Juan Francisco Herrera (Kiko), age 81, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026. Born on March 9, 1944, in Santa Barbara, Mexico, to Carmen Herrera, he was raised in Juarez. Growing up in Juarez, Kiko was driven and, by 8 years old, earned money by shining shoes. When not hustling for his next shoe cleaning, he made his way to the Catholic Cathedral and attended Mass, then eventually made his holy sacraments on his own initiative. As he got older, working at the family cantina was not enough. His drive led him to serve in the U.S. Army as a Mexican immigrant during the Vietnam War to earn his U.S. citizenship. While away in military service, he won the heart of his beautiful, sweet neighbor, Rosa Maria, through his military photos and love letters. They married in July 1967, while he was on military leave. After Kiko finished his military service, his drive for a better life for his children led him to pursue better job opportunities. Moving from California to Texas to change job opportunities, Kiko and Rosa finally established roots in Rio Rancho.

Kiko spent more than 40 years working as an IT technician and successfully completed his career and retired with Hewlett-Packard. Kiko is known as a devoted husband, father, and friend with charismatic charm that left a lasting impression on everyone Kiko met. Kiko’s favorite pastime was spending time with his family. He was committed to leaving his children and grandchildren with unforgettable memories; hence, he made sure they all got to experience Disneyland at least once in their lives. Then he made every weekend memorable by sharing his love of fishing with his family at Fenton Lake, cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, and sharing life stories with those he loved. Kiko is known for his dedication to his family, God, and his country.

Kiko went from being a Mexican boy shining shoes, pursuing the American Dream. His dream was fulfilled by the success of his children as college graduates. He is survived by his children, Francisco (Justina) Herrera, Enrique Herrera, and Dr. Sandra (Nino) Herrera-Spinelli.

Also survived by six grandchildren: Robert Forster, Fabian Herrera, Jasmine Herrera, Ericka Herrera, Antonino Spinelli IV, and Marisol Spinelli, and one great-grandchild, Grayson Forster.

Although Juan Francisco Herrera’s departure from this world leaves a void, his legacy continues in his grandchildren, with a Navy Petty Officer Second Class, Air Force Senior Airman, a First Responder, and a St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic student.

A Rosary/Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.; the burial at Vista Verde Memorial Park at 12:00 noon, and the wake following at the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish on the same day. The family invites loved ones to share memories and celebrate Juan’s life.