Larry Romero Vigil

Larry (Lauro) Romero Vigil passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 23, 2019 in Albuquerque, NM surrounded by his family.

Larry was born on October 12,1922 to Lorenzo Vigil and Doloritas Romero in San Antonio, NM. As one of many sons, he grew up with strong values and practical, laser-focus for forming his own future.  As a fiercely independent child, he loved his German Shepherd and caught wild mustangs to tame.  Larry carried a love of animals all of his life. For example, while recuperating from a fall last month, his tabby cat was paramount in his mind. He entreated family members to care for her in his absence.  His kindness extended to children, as well.  His trademark gift to everyone from grandchildren to visiting children was the magical two-dollar bill.  He convinced them   that he had a secret machine that made these unusual bills just so that he could hand them out to children.

Larry was the leader of his family and admired throughout his community for his integrity, honesty, and intelligence. These qualities and many more made him a successful businessman.  He built his own business as a general contractor under the name of Larry Vigil and Sons Construction Company. Many residential and commercial buildings in and around Albuquerque bear the personal touch and attention to quality that characterized his building style.  He was the contractor of record for twenty-five churches in New Mexico and Texas.

Larry worked tirelessly for his church in many capacities including; administrative duties on the Loma Linda, California Hospital Board, Texico Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Executive Committee, and delegate to the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference meetings, as well as other leadership positions in his church and community.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy Romero Vigil, 1923-1992, the mother of his children, to whom he was married for 50 years. His second wife, Dylia Zarate Vigil passed away earlier this month. They were married for 25 years. Larry was also preceded in death by his two sons, Clyde Larry Vigil, 1947-1987, and Donald Frederick Vigil, 1964-2013; his brothers, Jacobo, Esquipula, Lorenzo, Flavio, Andres, and Juan; his sister, Josie; and his 4 stepbrothers: Isabel, Elijio, Pablo, and Adan Padilla.

He is survived by two sisters, Flora Millfelt and Beatrice Chavez; along with his two daughters, Molly Vigil Evans (Jerry); and their children, Jonathan, David (Meagan), Daniel (Debra), and Andrea Roche (Larry); and Grace Vigil Walker (Mel Salazar) and her two daughters, Nanci Anne Schrader (Anthony) and Aprille Gould (Peter). He also leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Janet Vigil Alcott (Colin) and his granddaughters, by Clyde and Janet, Claudia Vigil Mustafa (Sufi Azhar) and Susan Vigil, as well as, ten great-grandchildren; Alexandra Nikole Shrader, Isabella and Gavin Gould, Anabelle, Eli, William, and Keziah Evans, Sufi Yousef Mustafa, Caleb and Lauren Roche and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to these loved ones, there are countless people whose lives he touched throughout his 96 years.  Larry was a forceful pillar of his community and instructed by example.  He was hard working, respectful, courteous, humble, devoted, and inspired all who knew him to strive for their own personal excellence. His conscience was the strongest element of his character and he will be profoundly missed.

Larry was a lifelong member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and was instrumental in guiding many people in their Christian experience.  He is now resting safely in the arms of Jesus, awaiting His return.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Worthy Student Fund at Sandia View Academy. Please contact Brenda Conyne, Treasurer, at 505-220-9678.