Marcel Gilberto Abeyta

1933 – 2022 Marcelo Gilberto Abeyta, age 88, a resident of La Joya, NM, passed away on February 1, 2022. His battle with cancer in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Marcelo was a hero and stayed strong until the end. He was born on November 19, 1933, in Veguita, NM, to Marcel and Amparo Rubio Abeyta. Marcelo is preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Edwina Abeyta; brothers, Norberto, Eusebio, Vences, and Victoriano; and sister, Josephine. He is survived by his sons, Andrew (Lilly), Thomas (Lorraine), and Tim; daughters, Bernadette Sinclair (Ronnie) and Mary Chavira (Henry); grandchildren, Robert (Sarah) and Roy Sinclair, Ronda Sanchez (Emilio), Derek (Amber), Adrian (Sarah), and Sydney Abeyta, Henry Chavira Jr., Celina Garcia (Juan), Lorena Baca (Tristin), Loretta Chavira, Cody (Asia), Crystal, and Angela Smith; brothers, Abran (Sally), Ines, Miguel (Ollie), Refugio (Cathy) and Beltran (Adela) Abeyta; sisters-in-law, Fidelma Romero, Emma Griego, Carol Chavez; brother-in-law Rodney Helms and several great children and one great-great grandson. Marcelo served his country in the US Army and was an original native of Veguita in his early years and a resident of La Joya for most of his life. He was a founding member of the La Joya Acequia Association and was instrumental in reestablishing the acequia irrigation system, the La Joya Community Development Association, the La Joya Charitable, Educational, and Assistance Organization and the La Joya Mutual Domestic Water Cooperative Association. Marcelo was also active in the El Camino Housing Authority. In addition to his work in the community, Marcelo was an Hermano of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno Morada. He was truly an icon of the community on many levels. Before retiring, Marcelo ran a successful bookkeeping and tax service in Belen, NM. He was a great gentleman and lived a full and eventful life. Marcelo touched so many people along the way and impacted so many lives. He was a true treasure and a very wise man who always offered good advice. Marcelo’s motto was “Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.” As an active member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, he and his wife served as mayordomos many times. Marcelo loved the Lord and showed it by his great acts of faith, service, love, and hope. Many a time he counseled others in times of distress with his faithful words “Do not let your heart be troubled.” Marcelo’s parting words were always “Adios, Adiosito.” A viewing will be held at San Juan Catholic Church in Veguita, NM on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 9:00 a.m., with a rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at La Joya Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Adrian, Daniel, and Derek Abeyta, Henry E. Chavira Jr., Patrick Griego, Anthony Lopez, Al Romero, and Robert John Sinclair. Angela Smith will be an honorary pallbearer. Good night, dad! Please sign Marcelo’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.

Marcel Gilberto Abeyta

November 19, 1933 - February 1, 2022