Manuel Benjamin Alcon of Mora passed away peacefully on Friday, July 26, 2024 in Rio Rancho, NM surrounded by his family. Manuel was born on September 18, 1926 to Benjamin and Rosaura Montoya Alcon in Ocate, NM. He was a WWII Veteran, serving in the US Navy during WWII aboard the USS LST-54 in the Atlantic. Upon return, he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and began his education at NM Highlands University where he pursued his teaching and administrative degrees. He received his bachelor's degree in 1952 and his Masters in 1958. He also attended classes at Columbia University, the University of New Mexico, and New Mexico State University. He retired from Mora Independent Schools after 34 years of service in education including teaching all levels, principal, and superintendent.

In 1950 he married the love of his life, Genoveva Herrera, his wife of 70 years. Their union was not just a marriage but a partnership in love, respect, and mutual support. They built their life in Mora and raised four children. Manuel was a selfless man who loved his family and was very proud of them all. He loved having family gatherings and making everyone laugh with his great sense of humor. He enjoyed talking and visiting with his friends and everyone he crossed paths with.

He had a busy home life. His hobbies included working on cars, woodworking, hiking, gardening, reading, and writing. He has authored three books and contributed some of his writings to various local newspapers and magazines. He was a lifelong learner and picked up technology skills in his later years, where he enjoyed playing games, emailing, or Face Timing family and friends on his iPad.

Manuel also devoted his time to community causes. He was a proponent of beginning St. Gertrude's Credit Union and a charter member of the American Legion Post #114 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1131.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Genoveva Alcon, his parents Benjamin and Rosaura Alcon, his siblings, Mike Benavidez, Aurora Ledoux, Barbara McNeff, Viola Bustos, Erminia Rudolph, Adelina Fuggiti, Lila Maes, grandson, Paul J. Pacheco Jr. and numerous other family members.
Manuel is survived by his children Grace Murray (Brian), Judy Pacheco (Paul), Ricky Alcon (Carmela), Jeanie Abeyta (John), Grandchildren Allegra Pacheco, Angelica Abeyta (fiancé Cory), Elisa Abeyta (boyfriend Javier) and great grandchild Aaliyah Granado and numerous relatives and friends.

Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Both Services will be conducted at St. Gertrude's Church in Mora, NM with Fr. James Sanchez and Fr. Dale Craig, S.O.L.T. as celebrants. Interment will follow at 2:30 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM, with the following serving as pallbearers; Paul Pacheco, John Abeyta, Teo Vigil, Cory Land, Javier Gonzalez, and Joe Alexander.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

Please visit our online website at www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.

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