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ATENCIO -- Alonzo Atencio, age 80, died Thursday, January 14, 2010 in Albuquerque, NM. Alonzo was born June 23, 1929 in Ortiz, Colorado to Rafael and Celina Ortiz Atencio. Alonzo finished his doctorate in biochemistry at University of Colorado- Boulder and completed his post doctoral work at Northwestern University. He was known as the "Godfather of minority medical education." Though his research centered on heparin, his true passion was medical education. After Alonzo came to UNM-SOM, he began many programs to assist medical students and biomedical research students to achieve their goals. These goals were achieved by high school summer programs through doctoral work, as well as assistance to medical students from throughout the United States. Alonzo was instrumental in creating programs for student success. In his tenure at UNM-SOM, he created a national model for retention of students. Hundreds of medical doctors and researchers exist today in large part due to his efforts. Dr. Atencio is survived by his wife Margaret Ann; his four children Deborah, Luke, Michael, and Patricia; five grandchildren Hope, April, Jennifer, Gregory, Kayla and Conner; eight great grandchildren; three brothers Rafael, Eloy and David; three sisters Margaret ,Polly and Laura ; his mother of his children Patricia Lucero. He was also survived by his four stepchildren Karen, William, Angela, and Iris. Alonzo is preceded in death by his parents and his eldest son Alonzo Atencio Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am, Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at Immaculate Conception Church, 619 Copper Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made in Alonzo's honor to the Alzheimer's Association New Mexico Chapter, 9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Alonzo's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 3113 Carlisle NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 884-1188 
Published on: Wed January 20, 2010