Ernesto Vigil

Ernesto Vigil - 92- A prominent lifelong resident of the Espanola Valley passed away on December 14, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 7, 1919, son of the late Abran and Ramoncita Vigil. He was one of 14 children, including a first cousin Arsenio Vigil, who was raised by his parents. Mr. Vigil served in the U.S. Army during World War ll. He was employed by Zia Company in Los Alamos for many years. He served as a Municipal Judge for the City of Espanola for 28 years, retiring in 1986. He served as an Espanola Public School Board Member from 1953 until 1965. He was very active in the Democratic Party. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish, spending many years volunteering as the groundskeeper. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was born in a time where work was the surviving factor in daily living. This became the core of his essence. lf he did not have work, he found work; often lending a hand to others. He possessed a humble respect for all mankind and in return was respected. He enjoyed spending time outdoors; fishing, hunting, and camping. Family was of utmost importance to him. He has left behind incredibly fond memories which will live in the hearts of many forever. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Florina Armijo Vigil in 1951; his parents; brothers, Nicholas, lsidoro, Epimenio, and Arsenio; sisters, Rosalda Vigil, Celina Roybal, Manuelita Hight, Jesusita Trujillo, Eluteria Trujillo, Ascencion Lujan; son, Carlos. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dolores, of the family home; children, Rosalda Speckled Rock (Paul), Leo, Pamela Thomas (Dave), Dennis Rivera (Alicia), Ernestine Harmston (John), Deirdra Montoya (Dennis), Barbara Klein (David), and Ramona Martinez (Art); sisters, Theresa Morowski, Virginia Allee, and Cleotilde Birrer; several grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers: Nick Vigil, Chris Roybal, Anthony Trujillo, Eddie Lujan, Patrick Trujillo, Michael Vigil, and Henry Trujillo. Honorary Pall Bearers: Nieces, and Nephews, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Rosary was held December 16, 2011 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Espanola. Funeral Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Oscar Coelho on December 17, 2011. Burial was held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on December 22, 2011. ln lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, P. O. Box 69, Espanola, NM, 87532. The family has entrusted their loved one to the Rivera Family Funeral Home, 305 Calle Salazar, Espanola, NM 87532 505-753-2288 or toll free (800)443-4854 www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com