David Ulibarri passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026. With his beloved wife and daughter by his side, he took his first steps towards Heaven. He was 83 years old.

David was born on January 24, 1943, to Meliton and Madalena Ulibarri. He grew up in Las Nutrias, New Mexico, alongside his brothers Tony, Henry, Lucino, Lecho, Benny, Joe, and Meliton Jr., and his sisters Celia, Vina, and Rufie. A hardworking and determined young man, David graduated as Valedictorian of La Hoya High School Class of 1962. After graduation, he moved to California, where he enrolled in barber college, worked in carpentry, and attended as many Dodgers games as he could.

After completing barber school, David returned to New Mexico to marry his childhood sweetheart, Cicilia Romero, in 1967. He then whisked her away to California, where they welcomed their first child, Yolanda Charlene Ulibarri, in 1968. In 1977, the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and in 1978 welcomed their son, Martin Neil Ulibarri. It was here that David opened his own barbershop, where customers came not only for haircuts, but also for his humor, advice, their favorite magazines, and a drink from his well-stocked soda machine.

When he wasn't working or delivering newspapers at 4:30 in the morning, David enjoyed woodcraft, upholstery, and spending time outdoors with his tools and plants. He loved taking his family to the Balloon Fiesta and listening to music by his favorite artists Linda Ronstadt, Fats Domino, Feddy Fender and many others. Often picking the latest dance trends from those artists, he celebrated the recent Seahawks' Super Bowl win in 2026 with one last dance.

In quieter moments, David enjoyed watching football, baseball, and Lobo basketball with his family, often offering spirited advice to the players on TV. His family grew over the years, and so did his heart. He adored - and continues to adore from Heaven - his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his granddoggies, Biscochito and little Bean.

David was his wife's one true love, from their days at the bus stop to his final breath. He was his daughter's plumber, mechanic, gardener, protector — her daddy — and his son's role model, barber, father, and friend. He warmly welcomed his daughter-in-law, Emily, loving her as his own. In the two years she knew him, Emily came to love David as a father as well. A patient husband and devoted father, David was a true jack-of-all-trades who would do anything for anyone.

His family will miss his homemade fudge, free haircuts, tea parties with his granddaughter Aurora, and so much more. Though we said goodbye to David here on earth, he will live on in the hearts of all who loved him, watching over them from above with the same unwavering compassion he was known for.

David is survived by his wife, Cicilia Ulibarri; his sister, Vina Mendoza; his children, Charlene Ulibarri and Martin Ulibarri; his daughter-in-law, Emily Reese; his grandchildren, Matthew and Krystal Lajuenesse-Pohl, Santana and Josh Zadel; and his great-grandchildren, Elijah, Aurora, and James ("Little Burger").

A Rosary will be recited on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 9:00 am followed by Mass of Christian Burail at 10:00 am at the San Isidro Catholic Mission Church, in Veguita, NM.

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