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Vito M., Jr. Col. Vito M. Miera Jr., U.S. Army Ret., 76 years old, passed away on Thursday, November 4, 2004. Born in Bernalillo, he loved the people, culture and beauty of our state. He traveled extensively, however he always returned to his beloved New Mexico. He graduated with a B.A. in Education from the College of St. Joseph, Albuquerque; a M.A. in School Administration from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque; and a M.A. in Guidance Counseling from the University of Toledo, Toledo, OH. Col. Miera was a World War II Veteran and distinguished commander of the 469th Petroleum Group in Albuquerque. He culminated his military service at the Pentagon as Deputy Chief of the Operations Division under the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army for Logistics. His numerous commendations and awards included prestigious First Oak Leaf Cluster and Legion of Merit Medals for meritorious service. In addition to his military career, Col. Miera also served the children of the Albuquerque Public School System for 34 years as an educator and principal. He gave generously of his time to numerous boards and committees including the Environmental Planning Commission for the City of Albuquerque, the Reserve Officers Association (president), the Elementary Principal's Association (president), Lovelace Board of Advisors and Senior board, Kiwanis, Kirtland Officer's Club Advisory Board, Veteran's Memorial Volunteer Services Committee, and was an active member of the Catholic Church. Col. Miera was a loving husband to his wife of 51 years, Lucille M. Miera; a nurturing and generous father to his two daughters, Stephanie Mansfield and husband, John of Scottsdale, AZ and Jennifer Eberhart and husband, Mark of Golden, CO; and a caring and kind grandfather (Tata) to his granddaughter, Avery Cathryn Eberhart. He is also survived by his brother, Orlando P. Miera and wife, Kitty; his two sisters, Juliette Aguilar and husband, Jimmy and Thelma Baca and husband, Joe, all of Albuquerque. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vito M. Miera Sr. and Dolores; and sister, LuVena Trujillo. He will be dearly missed by his many friends and relatives. A public visitation will be held Sunday, November 7, 2004, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel. A recitation of the Rosary will take place, Monday, November 8, 2004, at 7:00 p.m., also at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, with Father Ron Gonzales reciting. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at 11:00 a.m., at John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge NE, with Father Arkad Biczak, Celebrant. Interment services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Col. Bobby Humble U.S. Army (Ret.); Col. Gary Kanin Kloppenburg U.S. Army (Ret.), Mayor of Corrales; Victor Suazo; Ray Barela; Dennis Michael Baca; and Doug Lancaster. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
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