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Manuel Esquipula (Galletas), age 63, was born in Reno, NV, raised in Peralta, NM, lived most of his life in Los Lunas, NM and was currently a resident of Las Nutrias, NM. He was surrounded by his loving family when he went to be with our Lord on Thursday, October 29, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Manuel and his beloved wife, Viola fulfilled their dream of moving to the country where they farmed and raised cattle. He was a member of the UA Local 412 for 40 years and retired from his plumbing company in 2004. Manuel's joy in life was spending time with his family and his many friends. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Manuel was an active member of the Las Nutrias Catholic Church and was padrino to the Baby Jesus. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966 where he trained in Microwave Radio Equipment Repair. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph Ramon; infant daughter, Melanie Elaine; mother, Pula Romero Griego; father, Manuel B. Gabaldon and in-laws, Luciano and Rosenda Lucero Baca. Manuel is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Viola Gabaldon; son, Manuel Gabaldon and wife, Rosie; daughter, Melanie D. and husband, Jeremy Lucero; grandchildren, Adriana and Mateo Gabaldon, C.J. and Shae Lucero and Marianna Valdespino; three great-grandchildren, Joshua, Joziah and Noah; his father and best friend, Ramon V. Griego; three sisters, Mary Lou Cordova and husband, Mike Mendoza, Alma and husband, Fred Jaramillo and Ramona Griego and partner, Cynthia Romero; two brothers, Louie Ray Griego and wife, Debbie and Michael Griego and wife, Belma and in-laws, Wilfred Baca and wife, Donna, Pete Candelaria, Bernie Baca, Odelia Tully, Eva and husband, Elliott Hogue. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and by his loyal companion and shadow, "Toby the Yorkie". Manuel was a hard-working man with a huge heart, extreme generosity and was the strength of the entire family. He will be greatly missed and forever loved. A viewing will be held at Romero Funeral Home Chapel, on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 2:00 p.m. A final visitation will be held at Las Nutrias Catholic Church, on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Las Nutrias Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Wilfred Baca, Michael Griego, Louie Ray Griego, Mike Mendoza, Fred Jaramillo, Robert Gabaldon, C.J. Lucero and Mateo Gabaldon. Sign Manuel's online register book at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM. ROMERO FUNERAL HOME 609 N. MAIN ST. BELEN, NM 87002
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