Vicente G. Valenzuela

Vicente G. Valenzuela, 93, of W. Fox Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away October 21, 2010 at Landsun Homes. Visitation will be 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Sunday, October 24, 2010 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Vigil is scheduled for Sunday, October 24, 2010, 7:00 PM at San Jose Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, October 25, 2010, 10:00 AM, at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Valentine Jankowski OFM, Conv. officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Vicente G. Valenzuela was born June 7, 1917 in Mesilla, New Mexico to Cristobal and Isabel (Guerra) Valenzuela. He married Blasa Solis on August 19, 1939 in Las Cruces, NM. Vicente served in the National Guard where he was a member of the band. He worked in the shipyards during WWII in San Francisco. Vicente and Blasa came to Carlsbad where he began work at the airbase. He then went to work with his brother at Carlsbad Tortilla Factory where he retired after 30 years. Vicente was an accomplished musician and enjoyed being a member of the Guadalupano Choir and Los Compadres Band. He was also a charter member of the Knights of Columbus. Vicente was a skilled carpenter. He and his brother, Fred, built and hand carved the benches that can still be scene in the Eddy County Court House. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Blasa Valenzuela; son-in-law, Ernesto Fierro; brothers: Pete and Fred Valenzuela. He is survived by his three sons: Ramon Valenzuela of Carlsbad, NM, Robert Valenzuela and wife, Sharon of Carlsbad, NM, John Paul Valenzuela and wife, Cecilia of Carlsbad, NM; four daughters: Elena Fierro of Albuquerque, NM, Patricia Rodriguez and husband, Adon of Carlsbad, NM, Dolores Flores and husband, Leonard of Roswell, NM, Veronica Romero and husband, Paul of Belen, NM; 16 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchldren; 2 great-great-grandson and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Richard Najera, Donnie Rodriguez, Trey Flores, Erik Navarro, Henry Trujillo and Robert Valenzuela. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.