José Preciliano Carrillo Sr. (“Pres”) peacefully passed away at the age of 85 surrounded by his loving family on February 5, 2022, at his residence in Chama, NM.
He was born on November 12, 1936, in Monero, NM and moved to Durango, CO in 1942, attending Sacred Heart Catholic School through the 8th grade and Durango High School through the 10th grade.
In 1953, the family returned to Monero and bought a ranch and later, owned and operated a coal mine for 12 years. In 1959, Pres was drafted and served 2 years in the U.S. Army, and later moved to Chama and was a master butcher for 35 years at the local market, where he was well-known for his carne adovada, salsa, detailed knowledge of world and local history, as well as his witty humor.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Cristobal and Piedad Carrillo; survived by his wife of 61 years, Ofelia; brother, Chris (Aggie); daughters: Christine (Steve Márquez), Cathy (Dave Márquez), Priscilla; and son, Joe (Mary Jo); grandchildren who will serve as honorary pallbearers: Michael Pacheco Jr., Kenneth Mercure, Kevin Walters (Ana), Alex Mercure (Eddie Guillen), Matthew Walters, Tony Martinez, Anyssa Pacheco, Tomas Ortegon (Janessa Padilla), Ulyses Ortegon; great-grandchildren: Briley, Colton, and Elliott. Rosary, funeral mass and burial are planned for June 4, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in Chama at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
