Gilbert Jasper Atencio was born on Nov. 20, 1938, in Alamosa, Colo., to Jasper and Mary Atencio. Gilbert married Criselda Sanchez in 1984 and lived in San Luis, Colo.
He entered eternal life surrounded by loved ones on Nov. 5, 2023, at the age of 84.
He was preceded in death with his parents, Jasper and Mary Atencio; siblings, Rudy (Lina) Atencio, Joe (Connie) Atencio, Mae (Gordy) Valdez, Reggie Atencio, Nick Atencio, Joan (Danny) Fueston, Lewis “Arnold” Atencio; Urban Atencio, sister-in-law Sylvia Atencio, and brother-in-laws Jesse Martinez, Alex Marquez, Levi Sanchez, and Wilfred Sanchez.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Criselda Atencio and his fur baby Chuco; six daughters from Precilla Atencio who is deceased, Kathryn (Ken) Sandoval, Annette (Brent) Housley, Josephine Hernandez (Jeff Hard), Sandra (Steve) Atencio-Schlegel, Marsha (Arturo) DeLaRosa, Mary (Aaron) Ybarra; sibling, Eloy Atencio; sisters-in-law Celsa Atencio, Bernadette Atencio, Wilma Atencio; Delma Martinez, Veronica Marquez, Susie Martinez, Alva (George) Montano, Neomi Sanchez; brothers-in-law Leroy (Lorraine) Marquez, Larry Sanchez; 16 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and primos.
Gilbert honorably served for 4 years in the U.S. Marines Corps and was proud of his service. He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW.
Gilbert and Criselda loved to dance and sing. Gilbert’s favorite song was “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” by Freddy Fender. Elvis was his favorite artist. He loved to play his harmonica and serenade his children and grandchildren. Gilbert loved Chuco. Chuco sure loved Gilbert and would not leave his side.
He was a crazy, funny man. Gilbert was very strong in his faith, he loved God, loved his family and people. He wore his heart on his sleeve, prayed a rosary for anybody that needed it. He was the kindest, loving man you’ll ever meet. If there was anything you needed, if he had it, he would give it right then and there. He was a man of integrity, encouraged others in their faith. He will be missed dearly.
Viewing, Rosary, Funeral Mass, reception will be held at Sangre De Cristo Parish in San Luis, Colo., on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. Viewing, Rosary 9 –10 a.m.; Funeral Mass 10 a.m.; reception to follow after the Funeral Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gilbert’s honor to Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa.
To leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.
