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Portrait of Jonathan Tafoya
In loving memory of Jonathan Tafoya

Jonathan Tafoya

June 19, 1988 – October 20, 2022
Lived 34 years
Montecito Memorial · Colton, CA
"Forever Young"
Life story

Jonathan Tafoya, born June 19, 1988, to parents Maria & Norberto Tafoya. Jonathan was the middle sibling to his older brother Andrew Tafoya & little sister Yvette Tafoya. Growing up, Jonathan enjoyed playing hockey, basketball and always had a big imagination. He would rock climb on the carpet with his best friend Jordan - a cabbage patch doll. Jonathan had a passion for music, he started Band in the 4th grade and continued throughout his Hemet High School years. He had the opportunity to go on a cruise and perform with his high school friends. Senior year, Jonathan moved to Hesperia High School where he graduated in 2006. After high school, Jonathan moved out and started working as a Medical Coder in Irvine CA, then a billing tech in Fontana CA.

Jonathan grew a very strong attachment to his cars, specifically the Honda Accord. His first car was a red Toyota Tacoma which he loved and gave him endless adventures, but he slowly transitioned into the Honda world. Once he bought his first Accord he was hooked and started dreaming of the ultimate build. Throughout this time, he collected many unique or as he would say "rare" car parts. He made connections with people in the car industry. His ultimate dream car was an NSX that he dreamed of driving and enjoying with his wife once they were older. He always talked about going on cruises and exploring new adventures in his dream car, or just parking it in the garage and admiring it.

Jonathan was very selfless and got joy out of seeing other people happy. He loved putting on a show, dancing, making people laugh and smile. He had a very goofy personality, and always had a joke or way to make people laugh. Jonathan enjoyed spending time with his dad and always looked forward to attending Truck shows or walking at the outdoor swapmeets on Sunday mornings. He had a close relationship with his mom and enjoyed his phone conversations with her. As a big brother he loved taking care of his little sister and was always very proud of her accomplishments. He was Andys little big brother and best friend, Rolldogs. They shared a mutual love for cars, dance battles, and cooking. He was a great chef and loved making burgers on the grill. It brought him joy when people enjoyed his food. In 2008, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Patty. The two met at TST, Inc where they worked together and quickly became friends. After about a year of friendship, they became close and fell in love. Patty didn't think anything serious would become of them as she had 3 children ages 2, 3 & 4, however after meeting them Jonathan very quickly fell in love. He chose to move in with Patty and raise the kids as his own. Luis, Anthony & Arazely naturally fell in love with Jonathan and quickly accepted him as their dad. In 2010, Patty and Jonathan welcomed their first son, Bryan Tafoya, to their now family of 6. In 2012, they got married and in 2013 they welcomed their daughter, Mia Tafoya, to the family. Jonathan loved being a dad, he never missed a game, dance competition, or award ceremony.

He was very involved in his kids' lives and enjoyed watching them grow up. He taught them many things, from making smoothies to mowing the lawn and most important - having compassion for others.

Jonathan was a great provider, loving dad and husband. He enjoyed watching his kids in little league baseball, basketball, soccer and dance. He was a soccer coach for Bryan in 2016.

Jonathan worked hard to provide for his family and always made them his top priority. He taught them how to ride their first bike, rollerblade and passed on his passion for music.

In 2019 Jonathan became a first-time homeowner and was very proud of his accomplishments.

Jonathan worked as a dispatcher for his families trucking business from 2015-2022.

Jonathan Tafoya was a gift to many, he changed people's lives in a positive way, was very loved, appreciated and respected. We learned a lot from his kind heart and loving personality which will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace Jonathan, we love you forever.

♥ your wife Patty and your babies - Tito, Anthony, Arazely, Bryan & Mia

Photos
Lifetime

The world Jonathan knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1988
Born June 19
1994
Jonathan was 6 when "Friends" premiered
1997
Jonathan was 9 when "Titanic" opened in theaters
2001
Jonathan was 13 when Apple introduced the iPod
2005
Jonathan was 17 when the first video was posted to YouTube
2010
Jonathan was 22 when Apple's iPad went on sale
2022
Passed away October 20, age 34
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Montecito Memorial
Colton, CA
Plot: 20-2
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