Benito Lucero

Benito “Melecio” Lucero, age 90 and a resident of Dixon, NM, was welcomed into Heaven on June 17, 2022. Benito passed away peacefully in his home with his family near him. Benito grew up in a loving family in Ojo Caliente with his parents, Pedro and Rosana Lucero, two brothers, Luciano and Audoro, and five sisters, Delfina, Herminia, Lorraine, Andreita, and Grace.

Benito was married to Thelma of Dixon, his wife of 64 wonderful years. Benito was an awesome father to Marie and Benny and father-in-law to Deb. Benito loved to enjoy time with his family and was known as “Pampa” to his six grandchildren, Michael, Greg and Claudia, Ryan, Brennan, Landon, and Kaylyn and three great-grandchildren, Janney, Oliver, and Lyonel. He also had lots of love for his dog “Mia” who was always by his side and many other pets he owned throughout the years.

Benito was a patient, humble, and loving man with an amazing sense of humor. Benito enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and returned home to Ojo Caliente where he began his college education at Highlands University. Some of his favorite hobbies included gardening, woodworking, and fishing. Benito enjoyed a good game of cards as him and Thelma consistently played cards every night with occasional larger games when additional family was available. Benito was an active member of the Embudo Presbyterian Church in Dixon, serving as Treasurer for many years. Benito was also adjutant of Post 62 in Dixon with the American Legion. In addition, Benito was an educator and worked in multiple roles as teacher and principal, mostly in the Espanola School District. Benito had a positive impact on so many generations of students in the Espanola Valley. He was often fondly greeted by past students and parents. Many conversations with his students were very fondly received by Benito and he reveled in the fact that they remembered him and reminisced about their school days with such enthusiasm.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 24th at Embudo Presbyterian Church in Dixon, NM at 11:00 a.m. and Benito will be lovingly delivered to his final resting place immediately afterward by pallbearers Greg Lucero, Ryan Lucero, Brennan Lucero, Landon Lucero, Raul Abeyta, and Robert Lucero. The Lucero’s would like to thank those who have been praying for Benito and all of their love and support over the years, and especially during his recent illness. He will be missed for his wisdom, love, humor, and zest for life.