Manuel Sotero Lucero

Manuel Sotero Lucero passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at the age of 81, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by his entire family, who will strive to honor his memory by modelling their lives in the same way he lived his. He was born in Ponderosa, NM on December 4, 1940. He was a resident of Albuquerque but continued to spend much of his life in Ponderosa, where he found fulfillment in ranching and farming.

After graduating high school, as the valedictorian, he moved to Albuquerque where he started working for the New Mexico Department of Labor where he also found Josephine, his wife of 51 years. He retired 25 years later at the young age of 43. He continued an active lifestyle after retiring. He worked as a handyman, mowing lawns and fixing swamp coolers.
Manuel was a kind, patient, and generous person. If a job needed to be done, Manuel was there. He didn't need to be asked nor did he seek compensation. His most rewarding job after retiring, was taking care of his three grandchildren. He was the official chauffer, back and forth from various schools and practices. His zest for life will be remembered by his hard work and dedication to his family, community and strangers alike. He will forever be known for his contagious smile and his stark white hair.

Manuel is survived by his loving wife, Josephine; his three children, Melinda (Mark), Kevin and Rebecca. Most importantly his three cherished grandchildren, Sean, Analicia and Felicia. He is also survived by his three younger sisters, Rosalie Lucero, Diane Taylor and Hilda Darnell; whose lives were shaped by his never-ending love and support. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sotero and Jacoba Lucero, his brother, Toby and his baby sister, Maria Matilde.

His life will be honored with a Rosary on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in Old Town at San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church, 2005 N. Plaza St. NW, in Albuquerque.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Santo Toribio Catholic Church in Ponderosa, New Mexico 87044 on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception at the local community center. A private burial service will be held at later date.
Pallbearers will be Roger Trujillo, Mike Trujillo, Ray Rivera, Wesley Leyba, Mark Saiz, Sean Saiz, honorary pallbearer will be Carlos Sandoval.

The family would like to thank the numerous friends and family who have delivered food, brought flowers, visited and called to console us in our time of grief.