Vicente Fuentevilla

Vicente "Tito" Fuentevilla, 88, committed his life to love- love of God, love of family, love of country and love of his favorite things.

A dedicated Catholic, he never missed an opportunity to attend mass and ensured that his children received a solid Catholic education.

He adored his wife of 62 years, always ensuring she knew how much she meant to him. His children and grandchildren were his world, and he often reminded them of the importance of being prompt, hard-working and loyal-all values that guided him and that he instilled in others. He is deeply missed by those who loved him. He epitomized the meaning of a loving husband, caring father/grandfather/great-grandfather, and loyal friend.

He was fiercely proud of his Cuban heritage, offering his famously delicious Cuban coffee to anyone who visited his home--which could mean he had several servings a day. He was passionate about baseball and always knew how many Cuban baseball players there were in every Major League team. Leaving his beloved Cuba was a heartbreaking but selfless decision which separated him from his parents (Manuel Fuentevilla and Elena Martinez) and family to give his wife and children a future full of freedom. Although he was Cuban to the core, he was full of American pride and was grateful to this country for welcoming him and giving him countless opportunities. He became employed at Duke City Lumber Company in 1967 and worked hard to buy his family a home so that they would have a place to live when they were reunited a year and a half later. He attended the University of Havana and the University of Albuquerque, obtaining a bachelor's degree in accounting. His strong work ethic, commitment, and personal responsibility made him an excellent employee and provider. He retired from the City of Albuquerque in 1999.

There is nothing Tito liked more than cheese, sangria and attending activities in which his children or grandchildren were involved. He often traveled out of state to ensure he did not miss a game or event. He and his wife took full advantage of their retirement and traveled all over the world, often with old and new friends. He shared their adventures, providing details of their most memorable experiences and was able to recount even the smallest details. His memory was unmatched. He had a keen sense of style and was always dressed to impress.

Tito's legacy of love of God, family and country is carried on by his wife, Mercy; his children, Juan Vicente (Martina) and Agnes (Richard Padilla); his grandchildren, Charissa, Adrian, Michaela (Kaleigh), Isabel, Angelica, Lourdes, and Danilo; and his great-grandchildren, Analisa, Estrella, Juan, Noah, and Luna. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved him dearly and who were by his side in his final hours.

Tito's family is eternally grateful for those who cared for him in his final months: Olga, Sarah Ortiz and her team at Heartland Hospice, and Dr. Nishiena Gandhi, MD. Thank you for the attention and concern shown to him!

A Rosary will be recited Thursday, April 25, 2024, 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming. Services for Tito will be held Friday, April 26, 2024, 9:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Community, 5415 Fortuna Rd. NW. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.