Joe Gilbert Vigil was called home by the Lord on September 14, 2023. He was born to MaryRose and Fransisco G. Vigil on May 7, 1938, in Union Co., NM.
Gilbert is preceded in death by his mother and father Rose and Frank Vigil. Brothers; Fermin Vigil and Juan Louis Vigil and daughter Maxine Miera. Sons; Frank G. Jamison, “Wedo” Steven Jamison, Louise M. Vigil, Andres P. Vigil, John M. Vigil and Joe Miera. Mother and Father-in-law Arturo and Elena Segura, brother-in-law Artie Valdez, sister-in-law Blue Truelock and brother-in-law Jida Segura, brother-in-law Leo’s wife Marcella Segura.
Gilbert is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Amelia R. Vigil of NM. Daughters; Ruth and husband Willie Moreno of CO., Joanne and husband Tony Hernandez of NM., and Cecilia Miera of NV. Sons; Robert F. Vigil of CO., Flavio F, Encinias of NM, Kieth and wife Kim Segura of
CO. Douglas and wife Kari Perry of NM. Sisters-in-law Nancy Valdez of NM., June Segura of NV. and Marcella and husband Joe Dunkin of NM., Brothers in law- “Honk’ Thomas and wife Loretta of CO, and Raul and wife Amy of MO. 33 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gilbert grew up on his family farm in Ocate, helping his mother and grandfather tend to the farm while his father was flying fighter jets in WWII, He would ride on a horse-drawn carriage to town with Grandpa Cruz and loved watching his grandpa put on his full headdress and do the rain dance.
Gilbert learned the trade of upholstery and worked in Pueblo CO. for Simpsons Upholstery. In the late ’70s, Gilbert moved to Raton and started his own business behind the police station in Smity’s Garage, that’s where he began to teach his sons the trade of upholstery. The Shop then opened up in the old train station, then across the street from the Palace Hotel where his wife worked, Their business was steady, and he worked part-time at Woody’s for Howard Woodworth and tended to his friend Mrs. Sweaney. He eventually opened Vigil’s Upholstery on 1st St. and passed down the family business to his grandson, who now runs A.V. Upholstery. Gilbert also worked part-time as a bouncer at Louies Lounge, where his wife waitressed. He enjoyed his Canciones Mexicanas, jazz, blues, oldies, and country music. He could really dance! He loved fishing with his parents and camping with friends and family. He enjoyed taking long rides on his motorcycle with his wife and buddies, just exploring and feeling the wind and sun on his face. Sundays were his favorite when he would garden or work on projects around the house, send the grandchildren to Catechism and Church, going to Springer to help his father with his yard. His mother would always fix him a hearty meal and make sure he had his dessert too. He would go for walks to the water tower behind their house or around the neighborhood. During the weekdays, Amelia and his oldest sons would go bowling. They became members of a team at The Spur Lounge and even joined tournaments. They enjoyed their friends and a little competition. Anyone who knew Gilbert knew he was a die-hard Bronco fan. He was a lover of animals and enjoyed lying in his hammock and gazing at the stars. He loved deeply and would go the distance if asked to.
He lived a good life, saw Vietnam of many things, and lived through some rough times. He is deeply missed by his loving wife Amelia and family.
Viewing will be on Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in the Chapel of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Patricks’/St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, recited by Frank Cimino, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM with Father Bill Woytavich as the Celebrant. A dinner will follow at the Parish Hall.
Arrangements for Joe Gilbert Vigil are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
