Alberto Emiliano

Alberto Emiliano 89, of Carlsbad NM passed away on December 5, 2021. He was born April 8, 1932 to Justa Servin and Fernando Emiliano in Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila Mexico. From humble beginnings he was a dedicated son, brother and friend to many. Alberto was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Zella Emiliano.

At any early age, he had to drop out of school to help provide for his siblings. Although Alberto did not have a formal education, he learned auto mechanics, construction, and welding; skills he used to build, remodel or weld something for friends and family. His true passion was gardening; he grew chili, tomatoes, garlic, squash and watermelons, and always shared with whomever stopped by to visit. Alberto was a farmer to the depths of his soul. It saddened him to see the Otis farmlands caliched over to make room for metal buildings, equipment yards, or for the oilfield pads.

In his late teens and early twenties, Alberto participated in the Bracero Program when the United States and Mexico signed the Mexican Farm Labor Agreement to provide labor to work in agriculture. For several seasons we worked with Cirildo Rascon and Henry Grandi, until 1955, when he received his residential passport and worked with Enea Grandi & Sons for 25 years. Alberto eventually received his citizenship and worked as a welder in several welding shops (ELMAC, SEMCO, J&B, Espinoza Roustabout), until he settled in at Hall Machine and Welding Shop where he worked for over 30 years. Even after retiring, he would return to work when called to help out. Alberto was proud to be a workaholic; his philosophy was “idle time is a waste, never leave something for tomorrow if you can do it today.”

He along with mom were most proud of family and instilled in us the importance of a good education and hard work ethics. They taught us to believe and trust in God. And to always do the right thing and help others along the way. They saw blessings in everything and taught us to be resilient because life is so unpredictable. Alberto disciplined with an iron-hand, which is why we jokingly nicknamed him “the godfather”; his word was final!

Alberto was preceded in death by his parents; Justa and Fernando, two sisters: Conception Martinez and Dominga Perez, and brother Lelo Emiliano.

Alberto is survived by his sons: Fernando Emiliano and wife Josie of Sonora, Texas; Juan Emiliano and wife Fina of Odessa, Texas, a nephew whom he loved like a son; daughters: Maria J. Munoz and husband John Sr. of Carlsbad and Rosemary Herrell and husband Tony of Denver Colorado. His beloved five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Fernando Emiliano II and wife Gloria (Christian, Fernando III, Gloria) of San Antonio, Texas, Monica Madrid and husband Christopher (Joseph Emiliano Madrid) of Taos, New Mexico, John Munoz Jr. and Tamara of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Melissa Martinez and husband Steve (Sophia, Gabriel) of Tucson, Arizona, Kristina Van Bockern and husband Philip (Quinn, Cooper) of Denver, Colorado.
He is also survived, by his sister, Reyna Garcia of Hobbs, NM and brother, Jesus Emiliano of Mexico. Plus many nephews and nieces.
He also leaves behind his two fur-companions, Hercules and Werita.

Pallbearers will be Fernando Emiliano, Sr., Fernando Emiliano II, Juan Emiliano, Tony Herrell, John Munoz, Sr., John Munoz, Jr.

Services are scheduled for Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at San Jose Catholic Church. Rosary is set for 9:30 with funeral mass at 10:00am and graveside services immediately following at Carlsbad Cemetery.

His family would like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Madison, Encompass Home Health and Encompass Hospice for the compassion and support provided during his final journey. To our San Jose Community who kept us in constant prayer; and to his neighbors and friends for all their visits and phone calls. May God Bless all of you.