Juan I. Valerio

Juan Ismael Valerio died on September 19, 2011 at the age of 89 years. Juan I. was a life time resident of Ranchos de Taos, NM and died at his daughters home in Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico. Juan I. was born 1922 in Ranchos de Taos. His mother and father were Felicita Romero Valerio and Maximillano Valerio. Juan I. was married to Mercedes Gonzales Valerio on Aug. 14, 1946 (47 yrs.) until her death in 1993. They had three children, Stephanie Valerio Herrera Rael, Trudy Valerio Knox Healy, and Johnny Valerio. Juan I. married Carolina Barela Valerio in 1993 (17yrs.) until his death. Juan I. attended St. Francis de Assisi School in Ranchos, he worked as a sheep herder till he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps at age 16. He enlisted in the US Army during World War II and served for the duration of the war in the 4th Infantry Division that landed on Utah Beach on D-Day. He was awarded numerous medals including the Combat Infantry Badge and The Purple Heart. After the war Juan I. was a miner at the Santa Rita Copper Mine in Silver City, New Mexico, the Moly mine in Climax, Colorado and Los Alamos National Lab. In 1957 he and Mercedes returned to Ranchos de Taos and bought land, built a home, opened a gas station and raised their children. Juan I. was a mayordomo of the acequias for over 40 yrs. He also served as mayordomo for the St. Francis de Assisi Church many times. He served two terms as County Commissioner for Taos County in the late 1970's and early 80's He was instrumental in creating the basketball & tennis courts around Taos County. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Mercedes Gonzales Valerio, son, Johnny Valerio, grandson, Alfred Eagle Rael, siblings, Alfred and Emilio Valerio, Efren and Rose Valerio Martinez. He is survived by his wife, Carolina Barela Valerio, daughters, Stephanie Rael (Eagle) and Trudy Healy (Ed), grandchildren, Larry and John Herrera, Lee and Felice Knox, great grandchildren, Michael and Felicia Herrera, Stormy Scott, Johnny Scott Knox and Sierra Knox, sister, Regina Valerio Velarde (Rudolfo), brother, Anthony Vigil, numerous godchildren, nieces, nephews, step children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and friends. Vistitation was held on September 22, 2011 at Rivera Chapel. Rosary was recited on September 22, 2011 at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church. Funeral mass was held on September 23, 2011 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.