In Loving Memory of Filbert Clarence Vialpando

Filbert Clarence Vialpando went home to the Lord on Monday, May 2, 2022, after 83 beautiful years. Filbert was born on December 15, 1938, in Levi, NM as the second son of Raymond and Bessie Vialpando. Filbert grew up in the Wagon Mound and Raton area. He graduated from Raton High School in 1958 and worked at La Mesa Park. In 1960, Filbert joined the US Navy and was assigned to the USS Renville stationed in San Diego, California. During his 4-year tenure on the Renville, the ship served as part of the naval blockade ordered by President Kennedy in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.Prior to Filbert’s Honorable Discharge from the US Navy, he married the charming Virginia Duran of Raton at Saint Vincent Catholic Church in Los Angeles, California on July 13, 1963. Filbert and Virginia lived in Los Angeles where he worked for the North American Rockwell Corporation as part of the Apollo Space Program. During their time in Los Angeles, Filbert and Virginia were blessed with the birth of their three sons.In 1971, Filbert and Virginia returned to their roots by moving back to Raton to raise their family. Filbert went to work for Kaiser Steel Corporation at the York Canyon Mine. He worked at the mine like a mine electrician for 30 years, retiring in 2001. During his working years, Filbert served as the Treasurer for the United Mine Workers Union, Local 1749 as well as a member of the Mine Safety Committee where he was a huge proponent for worker safety.As a father, Filbert took an active part in raising his young sons. He served as President of the PTA for the Raton Catholic School where he led several fundraising efforts in support of the school. Filbert also coached his sons in Little League Baseball and Grade School Basketball. As his sons grew older, Filbert actively supported his sons in their participation in Raton High School sports with his strict attendance at all their games.

Filbert was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) as well as a strong supporter of the United Mine Workers (UMWA). He loved to hunt and fish with his sons and grandchildren. Filbert was proud of his country and embraced his Spanish ancestor. He loved to listen to Spanish music and truly appreciated the beauty of the Raton Area. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help others. Filbert will be eternally remembered for his ability to bring a smile to your face with his witty personality by making quirky jokes and amusing comments.

Filbert is survived by his lovely wife of 58 years, Virginia; his eldest son Arnold and his partner, Carol, and her two daughters, Kayla & Kendra, all of Denver. His son, Vaughn of the home in Raton, and his son, Val, and his wife Keyna of Mobile, Alabama. Filbert was blessed with 3 beautiful grandchildren, Vincent, Victoria, and Zoey all of Mobile, Alabama. Filbert has 2 surviving brothers and 3 sisters: brother Tony and wife Renee of Butte, Montana; brother Arnold and wife Sherry of Wood River, Nebraska; sister Connie and husband Joe of Denver Colorado; sister Beverly and husband Larry of Wells, Nevada; and sister Jackie of Raton as well as one surviving brother-in-law, David Duran of Honolulu, Hawaii. In addition, Filbert is survived by 7 God Children, numerous aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and great friends.

Filbert was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Bessie as well as his brothers, Ernie, Leonard, and Raymond, Jr.

The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to Ms. Robin Pilley for the amazingly gentle care and support she gave the family during these trying times. The compassion she displayed to our family will be forever embedded in our hearts. She is truly an angel on earth!

Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be on Saturday, May 14 at 11:00 A.M. recited by the Legion of Mary. A funeral of the Catholic faith will be conducted by Father Bill Woytovich on Saturday, May 14^th beginning at 11:30 A.M. at St. Patrick – St. Joseph Catholic Church in Raton, NM. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Educational Scholarship Fund of the Raton Elks Lodge, 300 South Second St, Raton NM 87740, or the charity of your choice.

Visitation for Filbert Clarence Vialpando will be held on May 13, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the chapel of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.

Arrangements for Filbert Clarence Vialpando are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.