Gerald (Jerry) Avila, 71, passed away surrounded by his family on November 1, 2018 after a short illness. Gerald was born on October 13, 1947 and was a lifetime resident of Aguilar, Co. where he graduated from Aguilar High School. He served in the Army from 1967-70 and was a Vietnam Veteran. He received numerous honors in the military, including a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, and Sharpshooter Rifle Award. After, his service in the Army, he worked at CF&I/Davis Wire Steel Mill in Pueblo for 43 years. After his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling in their RV. Gerald loved camping and fishing with his children and their families, watching the Broncos, and working on household projects for his wife. He especially enjoyed spending time in the mountains west of Aguilar at the family ranch.
Gerald is preceded in death by his father, Jose T. Avila, mother, Ida Avila, brother Raymond Avila, 4 half-brothers, 1 half-sister and his in-laws, Simplicio and Agnes Vallejos, along with numerous aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary (Elvira) Avila, his children, Pamela (Phil Martinez), Greg (Amy Blasi), and Susan (Matt Hilgers), his grandchildren Brandi, Kaitlin, Kevin and Isaac, and a great-grandchild expected in April, along with his brothers, Charlie (Beatrice) and Jim (Linda) Avila, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held at Comi Funeral Home in Trinidad, Co. on Thursday, November 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Aguilar, Co. on Friday, November 9, starting with the Rosary at 9:30 a.m., Funeral Mass at 10 a.m.
Internment will follow at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery with graveside services and military honors conducted by Ft Carson Honor Guard..
Honorary pallbearers are his many nephews. Active pallbearers are Mark Chacon, Daniel Borrego, Leo Avila, Sr., Stan Vallejos, Leroy Chacon and Robert Avila.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
