Jerry Gurule

Jerry Gurule, 62 of Rio Lucio passed away May 12, 2022 from a lengthy degenerative illness.  He is preceded in death by his father, Lauriano Gurule, grandmother Sophia Vigil and Uncle Joe G. Vigil, both who lovingly raised him as a son.

Unfortunately, Jerry was diagnosed with a genetic degenerative brain disease which caused him to suffer and fight a lengthy battle until his death.  Jerry is survived by his son, Jerome Gurule of Española; Mother, Laura Gurule; Special Aunt/Uncle, Faby & Nelson Lopez, sisters, nephews, niece, and many other relatives from both the Gurule and Vigil families.

Jerry grew up in Rio Lucio and graduated from Peñasco High School in 1979 and from New Mexico Highlands University with a certification in electricity.   He remained at home and supported his Uncle Joe with all matters of the household.  While Jerry earned his certification, he followed in his grandfather Esequiel Vigil and Uncle Joe’s footsteps.  Jerry became the 3rd generation bus contractor for Peñasco Schools who owned and operated bus #11 until he, due to his illness, was unable to operate. During his tenure at the Peñasco School’s he also worked as a security guard at both the elementary and high school; he took great pride in his work and took the time to create meaningful relationships with students and his colleagues.

Since his youth, Jerry also worked tirelessly with his Uncle Joe, Uncle Nelson, and cousin Herald bailing thousands of bails of hay/alfalfa in the communities of the Peñasco Valley.  Although he suffered from allergies and sometimes could barely see, he faithfully supported his family’s summer business by cutting, raking, and bailing, many times into the night.  If he was not found out in the fields of the Peñasco Valley, he was often out transporting fire fighters throughout the western United States.

One of Jerry’s greatest passions was his love for cars.  He took great pride in restoring his grandfather’s ’63 Impala and spent countless hours researching, buying, and installing equipment to get it show ready.  He washed, shined, and waxed for what seemed like days to prep his car for shows around Northern New Mexico and down into Albuquerque.   His hard work paid off in every show, earning him many 1st place trophies, many taller than him, which he also ensured he kept dusted and shined.

Jerry will be greatly missed by those of us closest to him, although we are deeply saddened to see him depart us, we know he is free from his suffering and can now walk freely and converse with his loved ones in heaven.

We would like to thank the staff at Taos Living Center, who for the last years of his life, cared for Jerry and watched over his many needs.

Serving the family as Pallbearers- Herald Lopez, Alex Lugo, Eric Rendon, Jeffrey Sandoval, Johnny Vigil and Delfino Vigil.

Rosary will be recited on Friday May 20, 2022 at 11am followed by the Mass of Christian burial at 12pm at San Antonio De Padua Catholic Church in Penasco, with burial to follow at the Vigil Private cemetery.

The family of Jerry Gurule has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com