Longtime Del Norte resident Manuel D. Atencio, Jr., 75, passed away on September 4, 2022.  He was born on March 2, 1947 in Chama, New Mexico to Manuel D. and Adelina (Garcia) Atencio, Sr.  Manuel married Linda Lucero on November 17, 1974 in Alamosa, Co.  He was a longtime employee of Rio Grande County Road and Bridge as a mechanic.

Manuel was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rio Grande Posse, to aid local law enforcement.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cruising, mechanic and auto body work, visiting friends, being in the mountains and spending time with his family.  In his younger years, he loved coaching and reffing school games and was often found in the role of security for school events.

He is survived by his wife Linda Atencio of Del Norte, his children, Sandy (Anthony) Casias of Del Norte, Michelle (Stan) Montoya of Del Norte, Daniel (Daneen) Atencio of El Paso, Texas and Jason Atencio of Colorado Springs, his grandchildren, Amanda (Victor) Martinez of Del Norte, Emily (Yoali) Abeyta of Del Norte, Derek Atencio of El Paso, Texas, Selena (Taggert) Rasmussen of Pueblo, Co., and Ashlee Atencio of San Diego, Ca., four great-grandchildren and his brother LeRoy Atencio of Del Norte as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents, his grandchildren, Keith I. Abeyta, Jr., Matthew A. Montoya, David M. Montoya, and his siblings, Laura Atencio-Torres, Darlene Vigil and Cecilio Atencio.

A vigil service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Del Norte.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday September 9, 2022 also at the church in Del Norte.  Interment will follow services in the Del Norte Cemetery.  To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com

Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements