Gilberto Rael

OBITUARY for GILBERTO RAEL

February 22, 1928 - April 5, 2024

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Gilberto Rael, a resident of Truchas, NM, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the age of 96.  Gilberto was born on February 22, 1928, in Truchas to Genaro and Emma Rael and raised by his late grandparents David and Maria Miquelita Romero.  

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Minnie Rael, last born son “Baby Boy” Rael, parents Genaro and Emma Rael, brothers David Rael and Ovaido Rael and sisters Odilia Rael, Alice Archuleta and husband Paul, brothers-in-law Alonzo Maez, Modesto Espinoza, Rufino Martinez and former son-in-law Donald Vieira Sr.

He was preceded in death by members of Minnie’s family, his parents-in-law Herculano and Senaida Montoya, in-laws Filiberto Montoya and Tito Montoya, Adonelia Montoya, Celina Martinez and husband Genaro, Adelia Martinez, and Margaret Smith and husband Chet.

He is survived by his siblings Corina “Cora” Maez, Mabel Martinez, Miquelita “Kelly” Espinoza, Linda Ladman and husband Mike, Priscilla Sioss and husband Bob, and Luis Rael and wife Diana, in-laws Emilia Montoya, Modesta Montoya, and Ernesto Martinez and along with many cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

He is survived by his daughters Henrietta “Reta” Harrison and husband Chris, Loretta “Lucy” Brazil and husband Eloy, sons David Rael and wife Yvette, Michael Rael and wife Jeanne, and former daughters-in-law Wendy Romero and Eileen Rael; his grandchildren Lindsey Halstead and husband Bruce Sr., Donald Vieira Jr. and wife Davisha; Isaac Brazil and wife Pearl, Toni Marie Pena, Matthew Brazil and wife Jena, Jamie Armijo and husband Matt; Jessica Larimore and husband Paul, Christina Rael, Nicole Rael and husband Doug Donovan, Shayla Lucero and husband Jonathan; Katrina Martinez and husband Jesse, Brandon Rael and wife Alexandra, Kimberly Smith and husband Elijah, Kristen Ortiz and husband Mario; his great-grandchildren Alonzo Rael, Jennifer, Terry, Mitchell, and Bruce Jr. Halstead; Bailey and Brynn Brazil, Braelynn, Camden and Karsyn Brazil, Gabriel and Alexis Pena, Emery, Kaden, and Luke Armijo; Olivia and Raelle Larimore, Liam and Landyn Sanders; Kaylee Chavez, Shawn, Jordan, and Kinsley Martinez, Dominic and Alyssa Rael, Skye and Ezra Smith, Ivy Rose and Oliver Knox Ortiz; and great-great grandchildren Nick, Noah, Jay, Dogie, Avy, Hayden, Ryder, and Karter Halstead.

Gilberto was a graduate of Menaul High School in Albuquerque NM, Class of 1947.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army approximately a year after graduating high school, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant.  Gilberto and Minnie were married November of 1951 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz.  They lived with their children in military posts throughout the United States and Germany until his retirement from the U.S. Army in March of 1972, finally settling in Truchas after 25 years of military service.  Gilberto subsequently worked at Los Alamos National Labs, initially as a Security Guard with A.E.C./E.R.D.A./D.O.E.’s Pro Force then with Protection Technology-Los Alamos.  He was promoted to a management position as the company’s Tactical Property Administrator.  After serving LANL for 20+ years, he retired from working at Los Alamos in January of 1994 to a life of “Ranchero” and caring full-time for his wife Minnie.   Both Gilberto and Minnie were members of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Truchas where they served as mayordomos for many years and Gilberto served in lead roles for several community organizations and was a long-time member of Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Post 89.

The family wants to thank the Doctors and Staff of the Espanola VA Clinic for the many years of caring for Gilberto’s health issues.  All of his family and friends will miss him dearly.  He is now with our Lord and Savior in heaven.

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

Rosary at De Vargas Funeral Home in Espanola on Tuesday, April 23, 2024

5:00 to 5:30                 Family Viewing

5:30 to 6:00                 Open Viewing

6:00 to 7:00                 Rosary

Funeral Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo on Wednesday, April 24, 2024

9:00 to 10:00               Mass to be presided by Father Sabastian Lee. 

Burial at National Cemetery in Santa Fe

1:30 to 1:45                 Ceremony will be held in a Gathering Pavilion as designated, all are welcome to attend

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