Vincent A. Turietta

Vincent was born in the village of Manzano, New Mexico on July 19, 1932 to a family who had farmed in the region for many generations. He was the eldest of eight children, growing up during the Great Depression and World War II. He learned to be independent at an early age and valued hard work and dedication to family.

Vincent entered St. Meinrad’s Seminary in Indiana after graduating from Mountainair High School in 1950. Although he did not choose to be ordained, Vincent did graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Aquinian Philosophy, becoming the first member of his family to earn a university diploma. After the seminary, Vincent was proud to serve in the United States Air Force for several years, mostly in Texas and Kansas.

Vincent decided on teaching as his next adventure, and earned a second degree in Education at the University of Albuquerque in 1960; then known as St. Joseph’s on the Rio Grande. It was at U of A that Vincent met fellow teaching student and love of his life, Pauline Zezeus. They were married shortly after graduation, spending over 56 years as devoted spouses and raising seven children together. During the early years, they lived at Santo Domingo Pueblo where they both taught. They then settled in Albuquerque. Vincent worked several summers to earn a Master’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. He taught for many years at Bernalillo High School, where he was head of the Science Department. He was a MESA sponsor, as well as a sponsor and judge at Regional and State Science Fairs. He encouraged many of his students to enter STEM fields and was most proud of students stepping forward to be the first in their families to attend college.

Vincent was a man who wore many hats, both literally and figuratively.  He was a science teacher, gardener, religious educator, handyman, avid reader, news junkie, and philosopher. Vincent enjoyed collecting hats, clocks, watches and electronics. He loved being with family and listening to music, especially Glenn Miller, classic jazz, and Vivaldi. You could often find him in his “spot” on the couch, grading notebooks and humming along to his favorite tunes. If he wasn’t working inside, you could find him in his garden, producing amazing vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers for everyone to enjoy.

He was also a man of deep faith, a life-long communicant in the Roman Catholic Church who studied the Bible daily. He shared his love of nature, of God and the universe with his loved ones, instilling in them a confidence in how knowledge and faith are truly compatible. Most of all, he was a lifelong scholar, always excited about learning something new. Vincent participated in numerous seminars and workshops, even spending a summer on a fossil dig in northern New Mexico.

Vincent’s humorous stories and wonderful laugh will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His eccentric approach to life, his unwavering commitment to family, and his personal integrity will long be remembered and treasured by family and friends.

Vincent was preceded to heaven by his loving parents Canuto and Teresita Turrietta, brothers Desiderio and Eloy, and his wife, Pauline, and great-granddaughter Naomi.  Vincent is survived by his brother Fernando, sisters Marie, Julia, Margaret (Dave), and Helen (Edward), and his children: Teresa, Mary Helen and husband Jose, Catherine and husband Lyle, Richard and wife Jill, Paul and wife Alice, Steven, and Joan and husband Jorge. Vincent is survived by grandchildren: Christina and husband Robert, Michael and wife Jessica, Veronica, Vincent, Trinity and Zachary, and great-grandchildren: Robbie, Hector, Joseph, Anthony, and Carissa, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

A Rosary will be held for Vincent at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 6:30pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 10:00 am at Queen of Heaven, 5300 Claremont NE followed by inurnment at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Our Lady of Guadalupe Mausoleum, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE.