Jose Bernie Manzanares

With great sadness Jose (Bernie) Manzanares, 75, passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2022.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Trini Trejo and father Alejandro Manzanares and brothers Tito and Daniel Manzanares.  He leaves behind his wife Catherine; four sons:  Nicodemus, Joshua (Rachael) and Enedino (Dominique) Manzanares, and Antonio Gallegos (Jillian); gradchildren: Brandon, Nicole, Alejandro, Camilia, Emiliano, Kingston, Kiaro, Kadmiel, Xandria, Makayla, Geneva, Antonio Jr. Gallegos; two brothers:  Patrick and Joseph; two sisters Mary Vigil (Abel) and Peggy Vigil; and many loving family members and close friends.

Bernie began his life in Medanales, NM on June 18, 1947 where he grew up and graduated from Espanola High School.  He was a SGT in the Air Force and was a gunner loading bombs on B52 Strategic Bombers which he loved doing and told many stories of his service especially in Iceland where he was stationed.  After the Air Force he returned to NM and owned and operated rocky Mountain Body Shop in Las Vegas, N for 45 years until he retired, still doing a few side jobs at home.  During this time, he built his “Little House on the Prairie” which he was so proud of.  He loved wood working, which you can see throughout his house.  H was also a Jaycee’s member until he “aged” our (which is a better word than they used).  He was very proud of being a Jaycee and had many stories of the Bucking Bronco that they took on many travels.  He loved traveling.  He was an avid Denver Bronco fan and attended every game that he could.  He loved most of all his family and family gatherings and loved cooking for everyone. He was a member of the Victory Life Church and kept everyone laughing at bible studies that he hosted at his home.  His life was cut short but he lived a full good life and was full of life.

            A funeral service followed by a reception will be held at the Victory Life Church at 2.26 Sale Barn Road in Las Vegas, NM on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.  The interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe for those who wish to attend.

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