Francisco P. Aguilera, a resident of Silver City, entered eternal rest and reunited with the love of his life on Wednesday, September 10, while at home surrounded by his family.
Francisco "Frank" was born to Francisco A. Aguilera and Josefa Castillo Aguilera on October 4, 1929 in Hurley, New Mexico. Frank grew up a very independent young man, traveling the southwest by train, until the age of 21 when he enlisted in the United States Army. One year into the Army, he lost his leg after an accidental shooting but continued to serve, until his discharge in 1952.
It was during this time that he met and fell in love with his darling Cruz, whom he married in 1951. Together they had nine children and lived happily married until her death in 2013.
Frank enjoyed being in the outdoors and had a great love for picking piñons and especially for hunting. He awaited his upcoming hunt with great anticipation and was disappointed to know that he was not going to be able to make it. He was also a very talented mechanic, not only serving his family but anyone in the neighborhood who needed help and never charging for his services. He was very supportive of his entire family and was always there to help, no matter the time of day or distance away that they were.
He was known as "Grampito" and will be greatly missed. He is survived by Theodora Quintero of Silver City; Rita Medina (Alfred) of Deming; Frances Purnell (Mike) of Clovis; Mary Binder (Norman) of Arenas Valley; Linda A. Sanchez and companion Adam Arzaga; Eva Aguilera of Silver City; Alicia Gutierrez and companion Javier Ramos; Angela Wichers who he raised like a daughter; thirty-three grandchildren; forty-eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Juanita Gutierrez and Lore Avena; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Cruz H. Aguilera; a son, Jose L. Aguilera; a daughter, Alma Gomez; sisters, Manuela Gonzales and Ramona Hermosillo, Rosita Aguilera who was like a sister to him; a brother, Francisco C. "Cico" Aguilera; grandsons, Christopher Patrick Medina, Baby Norman Binder, Baby Enriquez Gomez.
Visitation will be Wednesday, September 17 from 5-6:30pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary to begin at 6:30pm with Deacon Bill Holguin reciting. The Graveside Service with full Military Honors will be celebrated on Thursday, September 18 at 11am at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with Deacon David Castañon officiating. Pallbearers will be Joe Aguilera, Sean Dominguez, Anzelmo De Yermosa, Isaiah Bravo, Enriquez Gomez, Richard Medina, Greg Chavez and Jimmy Quintero. Honorary Pallbearers will be George Acosta, Rafael and Mary Rueda and the rest of his family. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.