Leopoldo Gutierrez

Leopoldo “Polo” Gutierrez, 89 of Vaughn, NM, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, August 26, 2022. Leopoldo was born on August 29, 1932 in Vaughn, NM to Manuel Gutierrez and Esther (Montaño) Gutierrez. Leopoldo was raised in Vaughn, where he also attended school. Following graduation, Leopoldo worked for NMDOT, retiring after 31.5 years of service. In his spare time, Leopoldo enjoyed playing pool and playing the saxophone. However, Leopoldo’s greatest joy came from the time he spent with his family and friends. Leopoldo is preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Emilia (Parraz) Gutierrez, his brother and sister-in-law: Albert and Gloria Gutierrez, brother: Raymond Gutierrez and son-in-law: Raul Quintanilla. Survivors include Leopoldo’s children: Leopoldo (Angela) Gutierrez, Esther (Joe) Cordova, Nancy (Luis Chavez) Apodaca, Kathy Manriquez, Lora Gutierrez and Linda Quintanilla—all of Albuquerque, NM. Leopoldo is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings: Manuel (Nel) Gutierrez and Linda (Dick) Villalobos—all of California and Tillie (David) Lopez of Clovis, NM. Numerous Godchildren, nephews, nieces and friends also survive Leopoldo. Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, followed by The Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 11am, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Vaughn, NM, officiated by Father Timothy Meurer. Viewing for family and friends will be prior to services, from 10-11am at Saint Mary’s in Vaughn. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Vaughn, with Joseph Cordova, Manuel Luna, Leopoldo Gutierrez, III, Raul Rey Quintanilla, Jesus Manquero and Aaron Sanchez serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe Cordova, Luis Chavez, Angela Anaya Gutierrez, Crystal Sanchez, Cindy Manquero, Ara Gutierrez, Lee Ann Bernal, Crystal Luna, Robert Anaya, Joe Luna and Steven Parraz. Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online condolence or tribute, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.