Espiridion Nicasio "Nick" Aragon

Espiridion Nicasio "Nick" Aragon has been taken to rest in the arms of the Lord. Nick, a proud Veteran of WWII, prominent businessman and politician of Las Vegas was 84 years old. He passed peacefully at his home on Monday January 4, 2011 with his wife of 63 years, Helen Aragon and his daughter Evelyn by his side.
Nick was born on November 18, 1926 in San Pablo, New Mexico to Cosme Aragon and Candida Jaramillo Aragon. He was united in marriage to his beautiful and devoted wife Helen at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in 1947 and together they raised three strong and vivacious children: Patsy, Evelyn and Nick Jr. as well as their six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Nick enlisted in 1944 to fight alongside his many countrymen in the United States Navy aboard the USS Raleigh and the USS Benevolence in the Asiatic-Pacific Area during World War II. He served his country with great honor, courage and dignity. His commitment to his country and his comrades continued with his work through with the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Nick received many honors for his work establishing VFW posts in San Miguel and Mora counties and served as Post #1547 Commander, District Commander, Quarter Master, State Senior Vice-Commander, State Commander and testified before Congress for local and national VFWs. Nick was instrumental and active with the "La Plaza" Little League and was an avid golfer. He was a strong man and hard worker who began his career as a mechanic. He was then employed by the U.S. Postal Service and became a successful small business owner with the opening of Nick & Helen's Package Liquor and Lounge which he operated with his entire family. There was not a soul in town or politician in the state who could say that they didn't enjoy a good dance or share a laugh with friends and neighbors at Nick & Helen's.
He had the opportunity to meet his dedication to community service and development serving San Miguel County as County Commissioner. Nick was a staunch Democrat. He was proud to make it to the polls at every opportunity from the age of 18 until his last opportunity in November 2010 to vote for his fellow Democrats. In his words, "One only need be two things in this life: a Democrat and a Catholic, not necessarily in that order." The most important commitment in Nick's life was family. He brought them up to always respect vecinos, lend a helping hand whenever possible and to never forget who they are in this life and where they come from. Familia, Cultura, tradiciones and the advancement of local artists and musicos gave him joy and brought a smile to his face throughout his life. He encouraged the youth of Las Vegas, including his son Nick Jr. and friends to start a band and play for the patrons of the family business as well as the members of the VFW.
He is preceded in death by his parents Cosme Aragon and Candida Jaramillo Aragon; brothers: Alfonso, Benny, Julio, Lolo, Chanito and Antonio; sisters: Canuta Mary Gomez and Mary Gurule; brother-in-law: Josito Archuleta and son-in-law: Felipe Padilla. His greatest loss in life came at the death of his son Nick Jose Aragon Jr. and daughter Patricia Ann Aragon Roybal.
He is survived by his wife Helen Archuleta Aragon; daughter Evelyn Aragon Padilla of Las Vegas; sister: Tita Aragon Garcia and husband Jeo and family of Denver CO; Grandsons: Diego Roybal and wife Cici of Albuquerque, Felipe Padilla and Life Partner Maria Garduno of Las Vegas, Nick Carlos Aragon of Las Vegas, Francisco Padilla of Albuquerque; grandaughters: Denise Roybal and partner Paul Quintana of Albuequerque and Kathleen Roybal of Las Vegas; Great-grandchildren: Anastasia Gurule, William Covelli, Esperanza Garduno, Leandro Garduno and April Ackers. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends. As Patriarch of the Aragon family, his home was and remains home to these as well as his many extended family and friends.
Nick was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church and celebration of his life will take place at his home parish. Cremation has taken place and a rosary will be recited by Prima Lena Villegas on Monday evening January 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. with eulogy to be delivered by Nephew Larry Archuleta and Grandson Francisco Padilla. The family will welcome friends and neighbors at a reception at The Night Owl Lounge in Las Vegas. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. Father C. John Brasher will conduct as celebrant. Interment will take place on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in the Santa Fe National Veterans Cemetery.

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