Melecio Vigil

Funeral Mass for Melecio "Mel" B. Vigil, Jr. 81, a longtime resident of Milan

will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2015-10:00 AM at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Private Burial will be held at a later date.



A Rosary will be held on Wednesday-March 11, 2015-7:30 PM at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church



He was born on July 28, 1933, in Pecos, N.M. to his late parents, Melecio Vigil, Sr. and Juanita Lopez-Vigil and went home to heaven to be with his beloved wife, Josie, his daughter and sons on March, 6, 2015. He passed away peacefully in his home.



He spent most of his youth in the Pecos and Las Vegas area until he joined the Air Force and upon his release, spent a short time working in Albuquerque before moving to Milan in the early 1960's and began working in the uranium mines. After leaving the mines, he began working for the Village of Milan where he worked until his retirement in 1996.



Mel loved hunting, but his love for fishing was his favorite pastime. He loved music and enjoyed singing. He was well known for singing "La Entrega" for numerous weddings and other songs from his large collection of corridos and rancheras. He was a member the Catholic Church, the Democratic Party and belonged to the Milan volunteer fireman department.



Mel's greatest pride and joy came from his 6 children, 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also known as "Uncle Mel", he was loved by many nieces, nephews and community children, along with cousins and friends.



Melecio is survived by his children, Norma Dominguez, Maria "Liza" Chavez and husband Curly Chavez, Joseph Vigil and wife Judi, Rosella Garcia and husband Michael, Cathy Madrid and husband Paul Leonard, Hope Lujan and husband Edwin. Mel has 12 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 1 great- great granddaughter. He is also survived by his brothers: Victor, and wife Agnes of Santa Fe, Andy, and wife Gloria, Maurilio, and wife, Alberta of Las Vegas, N.M. Paul, and wife, Flora of Phoenix, A.Z. one sister, Lena Ortega of Albuquerque. Sisters-in-law, Susie, Rebecca, Irene Vigil and brother-in-law, Bill Rodriguez.



He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Josephine Urioste Vigil, infant daughter, Mary Margaret, sons: George Leroy, Mel Martin Jr. and son-in-law, Dennis Dominguez. His parents, brothers, Robert, Fernando, Joe Vigil, and sister Margaret Rodriguez.



Pallbearers are his grandchildren: Jason and Brian Dominguez, Joseph Vigil, Jr., Mike Ramirez, Michael Garcia, Jr., George Vigil, Thomas Baca, Tom Garcia and Carlos Grijalva.



Honorary pallbearers are his granddaughters: Melissa Chavez-Garcia, Jessica Vigil-Baca, Aubrie Chavez, Josie Lujan, Monica Vigil and Angelica A. Vigil.