Manuel Vigil

Manuel Alfredo Vigil, 96, of Española, NM, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Manuel was born on October 5, 1928, in Española, the beloved son of Alfredo and Jacobita Vigil.

Manuel was preceded in death by Virginia Vigil (Wife), Alfredo Vigil (Father), Jacobita Vigil (Mother), Esquipula (Pula) Archuleta (Father-In-Law), Magdalena (Maggie) Archuleta (Mother-In-Law), Leo Vigil (Brother), Andrew Vigil (Son), Roberto Vigil (Grandson), Lucille Garcia (Sister-In-Law), Pete Garcia (Brother-In-Law), Bill Davis (Brother-In-Law), and Elmer Sandoval (Brother-In-Law).

Manuel is survived by his Sisters: Dorothy Davis and Clorinda Vigil; Sisters-In-Law (Alice Vigil) and Angela Turner (Ed); Sons and daughters: Phillip Vigil (Roseanna), Walter Vigil (Sophie), Kathleen Garcia (Ross), Debbie Roybal (David), Daughter-In-law (Kathy Vigil), Anna Vigil and Kenny Vigil (Sharon); Grandsons and Granddaughters: Javier Vigil (Jami), Anna Vigil, Larry Espinoza (Deirdre), Eva Espinoza, Gina Montoya (Jacob), James Garcia (Lorna), Rosendo Garcia (Valerie) Monica Ramirez (Mike), Carlos Vigil (Becky), Kristopher Vigil (Becky), Anthony Vigil, Manuel Vigil (Alysse), Michael Vigil (Ashley), Kaitlin Solod (Nathan). Great Grandchildren: Sebastian Vigil, Dominic Vigil, Marianna Vigil, Shenisha Espinoza (Jonathan), Larisha Espinoza, Mateo Montoya, Lucas Montoya, Ali Webb, Jordyn Webb, Malia Ramirez, Myla Ramirez, and Mackenzie Vigil; Great-Great Grandchildren: Zalyn Burciaga and Kian Burciaga. Sisters-in-law Natalie Espinoza (Hernan), Becky Trujillo, Connie LaFlesh (Stan), and Veronica Ortega (Alan).

Manuel’s early summers were spent working at the Valle Caldera Ranch near Los Alamos, where he was cared for by a family who taught him to live off the land. Those formative years left a lasting impression—he often visited the ranch later in life and fondly shared stories of the wildlife and landscapes he came to love. The Valle Caldera always held a special place in his heart. At just 17, Manuel proudly joined the United States Army, serving honorably as a Private First Class until his discharge in 1946.

On September 21, 1949, Manuel married the love of his life, Virginia (Virgie) Archuleta, at Holy Cross Church in Española. They shared 73 wonderful years of marriage until her passing on January 27, 2022. In the early years, they lived in Santa Fe, where Manuel worked as a butcher at Safeway. Eventually, they returned to Española, where Manuel began his long and dedicated career with the U.S. Postal Service. He started as a mail carrier in Los Alamos and later transferred to Española, retiring after 36 years of service in 1986. He was known for his remarkable memory, often recalling addresses and names from his routes years after his retirement. His friendships with customers and colleagues were long-lasting and deeply cherished.

Manuel and Virgie were proud parents to seven children, and to them, family was everything. Their home was a warm, welcoming space filled with joy, love, and unforgettable gatherings. Friends and neighbors were treated like family, with many affectionately calling him “Uncle Manuel” or “Grandpa Manuel.”

Deeply involved in his community, Manuel was a member of the Española Fiesta Council (as a Caballero), the Knights of Columbus, the Booster Club, and the Boy Scouts. He was a faithful parishioner at Holy Cross Church, where he served as an usher for many years.

Manuel had many passions, especially gardening and golf. He was known for his incredible vegetable gardens at his home in Fairview, with sweet corn being a family favorite. He dried it to make chicos, often producing hundreds of pounds in a season. Golf was another joy in his life — he spent countless days on the course with his sons Walter, Andrew, and Kenny, along with many dear friends. One of his favorite traditions was the annual Men’s Weekend Trip to Pagosa Springs, CO, organized by his son Walter, where laughter, golf, and camaraderie were always in abundance.

Manuel will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, infectious humor, deep compassion, and unwavering love for his family and community. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the caregivers, Lourdes and Doris.

The following grandsons will serve as Pallbearers: Javier Vigil, Larry Espinoza, James Garcia, Rosendo Garcia, Carlos Vigil, Kristopher Vigil, Anthony Vigil, Manuel Vigil, and Michael Vigil. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mateo Montoya, Lucas Montoya, Sebastian Vigil, and Dominic Vigil.

Funeral / Memorial & Internment Services will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, see locations and times below.

Rosary - Holy Cross Church at 10:00 AM

Funeral - Holy Cross Church at 11:00 AM

Internment - National Cemetery at 1:30 PM

Reception - La Fonda del Sol (233 N Paseo De Oñate, Española, NM 87532)

The family of Manuel Vigil has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   505-747-7477