Pete Vigil, age 95, of Raton NM, entered into God’s Kingdom on August 9, 2023. Pete was born in Buena Vista NM on June 29, 1928, to Juanita and Richardo Vigil. His family moved to Raton soon after. he had nine brothers and sisters who grew up in Raton and were well-known. After graduating from High School, Pete joined the Army. He served in both Korea and Vietnam where he was promoted to Sergeant 1st Class. Pete was also a platoon leader and drill sergeant. Pete came home to Raton in 1957 and married MaryAnn Martinez. he helped raise her children through a previous marriage, but was pulled back into the military in the 60’s to serve Vietnam. he was stationed in Germany, Italy, France, Oklahoma, and other places in between during the Korean War. At one point, he was mustered out of the Army and pulled into a job as a psychiatric aid and helped men with mental health issues readjust to civilian life. Pete retired from the military in 1969. He was a decorated veteran and a proud member of the American Legion.
After one day of retirement, Pete was offered a job inspecting underground structures in Los Angeles. he lived and worked there until 1985. After leaving Las Angelas, he came back home to Raton. Pete is preceded in death by his wife, MaryAnn Vigil, his parents, Juanita and Richardo Vigil, brothers Joe Albino, Joe Elias, Joe Edward, and Ernest, sisters Antonia, Dora, and Vita, stepsons Walter, Robert, and Danny. Pete is survived by brother Gilbert and sister Mary Cruzita, stepdaughter Betty Lopez and husband Tym of California, stepson Jimmy Padilla and wife Lupe of California, and stepson John Wayne Padilla and wife Louise of Raton. Also surviving numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Pete was a great father and mentor, always ready to help anyone. Pete’s ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love will always be remembered by all who knew him. Thank you to the Ambassadors of Raton for honoring our father Petewith a memorial bench. And thank you Brenda Ferri of Main Street Raton for your help. And a special thanks to Alderette/ Pomeroy Funeral Home for the donation of the beautiful military Urn. A celebration of life will be on October 26, 2023 at 10:00 am at the Mount Calvary Cemetery where he will be remembered for the love that he shared with us and the special memories that each of us had of him.
