Albert Manfredi, age 92, of Raton was called home on August 15, 2017.
He was born in Primero, Colorado on November 24, 1924 to Fiore Manfredi and Elizabeth Fortune.
Albert grew up in the Morley coal camp. He entered the military service at the youthful age of seventeen, soon after completing his sophomore year at Trinidad High School. The aftermath of the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor was the driving force behind his early enlistment. Al chose the Air Force because he felt “it would be exciting to go up in the air”. Once he received his wings, he was sent to MacDill air force base in Tampa, Florida with his ten crew members, who were assigned to the 490th Bombardment group, where he served as a ball turret gunner on the silver meteor in WW II.
After his honorable discharge from the army in 1945, Al was a truck driver for 50 years and part owner of keeps wholesale. After retirement Al enjoyed fishing, hunting, making wine, and spending quality time with his family. Al was a lifetime member of the VFW. He was responsible for the implementation of the isle of flags in Raton. He loved to reminisce on his life experiences and always had good jokes to share.
Al is preceded in death by his parents Fiore and Elizabeth, Brothers Paul Manfredi, Roy Manfredi SR, Mel Deaile, Nick Deaile, and Ted Deaile and Sister Helen Manfredi-Gruda.
Al is survived by his wife of 38 years Cecelia Tiny Manfredi of the family home. Brother Fiore JR of California, Sons Al JR and Carmen of California, Mark and Edika, Dennis and Alicia, Leroy and Kristee, and Rockey all of Raton. Daughters Benita and Ramon of Raton and Kathleen and Johnny of Washington. Grandchildren: Aaron, Michelle, Mark Christopher, Joshua, Santina, Bobby, Laurie, Reynaldo, Abenicio, Isaac, Olivia, Chelcie, Rayleen, Shaylee, Toni Ann, Whitney, Zach, Shadrack, Tony, Matt, Gabe, Victoria, and Rockey JR. Al is also survived by 23 great- grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be Monday August 21, 2017 from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home Chapel of Raton.
Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be on Tuesday August 22, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at the St. Patrick’s – St. Joseph’s Catholic Church recited by Frank Cimino Jr. Mass of the Resurrection will follow with Father William Woytavich as the celebrant. Rite of Christian burial will follow at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements and celebration of love for Albert Manfredi are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.
