|
Ernesto "Ernie" G. Lucero lost his battle with a debilitating cancer on July 10, 2010 at the age of 67. He is survived by his beloved family: Lucy, his wife of 47 years; his son Frank J. Lucero, his daughter-in-law Margaret; his daughter Carolyn L. Niski, his son-in-law Jonathan; his sisters Mary P. Naranjo and Sandra Lucero; and by his grandchildren Robert J. Lucero, Jeffrey S. Lucero, Joseph B. Lucero, Gabriel D. Niski, and Miranda F. Niski. Ernie was an exceptionally generous man, always seeking to help others in any way that he could. Although he has passed, he remains a shining example to his family and all who knew him of what it means to be a devout Catholic, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a friend in the truest sense of the word; fiercely loyal and devoted to the people he cared for. It was his habit to put aside his own needs and comforts to meet the needs of others. A strong and thoughtful man, he gave without expectation of compensation. To Ernie, giving was an end unto itself. Throughout his life, he worked many jobs to support his family, sometimes working more than one to make ends meet. He served honorably in the United States Army. He was a newspaper pressman for the Gallup Independent. He was a truck driver, a civil engineer, and the Chief of Juvenile in Los Lunas. Even after he retired, he loved to ranch, buying and selling livestock and caring for them on his property. He loved camping, fly fishing, boating and ranching. During the summertime, he would haul his 5th wheel across New Mexico and southern Colorado, surveying the state and national forests, looking for the best campsites. He has explored the rivers, lakes and streams with his fly rod, in his waiters and float tube. His passion for the outdoors will live on in his children and grandchildren, whom are all avid campers and fly fishermen. The fight against his disease did not diminish his character but rather refined and strengthened it. He survived as long as he did because of his faith in God and his love for his family. He survived as long as he did to ensure that his family would come together and understand that they have to take care of each other now. His soul may have left us to be in heaven, but his love remains, and will continue to comfort and strengthen the unity of his family and friends left on Earth. Please contact Riverside Funeral Home of Belen at 864-4448 for service information. An online guest register is available at www.riversideofbelen.com
|
