Arturo Guadalupe Manzanares

Arturo Guadalupe Manzanares passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Saturday March 11, 2023. He was 88 years old. He was born to Jose G and Rosenda Manzanares on September 24, 1934, in El Rito New Mexico.

He attended the Normal School in El Rito, until he joined the Air Force. He served during the Korean War and was stationed in Korea. He was a very proud and patriotic Airman and was honorably discharged. He received several medals during his enlistment, including the Korea Defense Service Medal. He returned home and married the love of his life, Elvira Mascarenas. They were married 64 years and raised their 5 children in El Rito.

Our Father, Husband, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, lived a long and good life. He adored and enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were his world. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved walking the mountains of his beloved El Rito in search of treasures, where he found many through the years. He also found great peace in his walks. He will be greatly and lovingly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Rosenda Manzanares, sister Jane Manzanares, brother Garcy Manzanares, sister-in-law Epifania Manzanares, sister Christine Vasquez, and nephews Mark and Elmer Manzanares.

He is survived by his wife Elvira Manzanares, and his children. Daughters: Nora Manzanares, Florence Bleuler (Jack), Beverly Barela, Angela Aldaz (Joe). Son: Arturo Manzanares Jr (Dan). Granddaughter: Johannah Sanchez (Anthony), Great Grandchildren: Kendall, Adrian and Nicholas Sanchez. His Grandson Travis Aldaz, who was so precious to him. His sister Charlotte Varoz (Gilbert), Sister-in-law Mary Mainville, Brother-in-law Joe Mascarenas (Lori Ann), special niece Rosenda Manzanares, and many other nephews and nieces. Also, special family friends Tony, who was like a brother to him, and Nora Quintana.

A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am at San Juan Nepomuceno Catholic Church in El Rito, NM, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am on Friday, March 24, 2023.   Burial will follow at the Placitas Cemetery in El Rito, NM.

Pallbearers will be, Joe Aldaz, Anthony Sanchez, Phillip Varoz, David Vasquez, Charles Vasquez, Daniel Nunez, Bobby Mascarenas and Roy Mascarenas

Honorary pallbearers are Johannah Sanchez, Nicholas Sanchez, Travis Aldaz, Jack Bleuler, Michael Mascarenas, Ernest Mascarenas, and Norman Mainville.

The family of Arturo Manzanres has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   www.devargasfuneral.com  (505) 747-7477