Mariano Legarretta

Mariano Legarretta Jr, 88, of Hatch, New Mexico, passed away on June 15, 2024. He was born on July 7, 1935, in Ft. Quitman, Texas.
Mariano, better known as "Pops" or "Boss Man" was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He attended Ft. Hancock High School before serving in the United States Army for 3 years. After his service, he married the love of his life Josefina.
In his career, Mariano worked for Hudspeth County, the Texas Highway Department and also sat on the Board for the Ft. Hancock School District. He and his family decided to move to Hatch, NM in 1978. He retired from the International Boundary and Water Commission in Hatch, NM after 24 years of service as a Foreman.
After retirement, Mariano served his community as a Hatch Valley Public School Bus Driver. He cherished his role and especially enjoyed taking sports teams to games. He was proud to be part of multiple Hatch Valley Football State Championships! Mariano also worked for the HELP program as a bus driver, was actively involved in the Village of Hatch as a board member and was Mayor Pro Tem.
Mariano was devoted to his faith and worshipped at Lord of Mercy Catholic Church in Hatch. He enjoyed lifting weights, watching boxing matches on TV and drinking coffee at Village Market with his friends. However, above all, he treasured spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Josefina; son Michael; daughter Priscilla Gillis (Dale); and son-in-law Randy Farris; grandchildren Brandi Konold (Daniel), Brandon Gillis (Andi), Gabriel Perez, Savannah Turner (Josh); great-grandchildren Job & Joah Flores, Ezra Konold, Arley & Jett Turner; brothers Daniel (Maria) and Sam (Rosa) Legarretta, along with numerous other relatives.
Mariano is preceded in death by his mother Monica Hernandez Legarretta, father Mariano Legarretta Sr., daughter Mimi Farris, son Lee Legarretta, grandson Kobe Lee Gillis, sister Carmen Jimenez, and brothers Israel & Ismael Legarretta.
Services will be held at Our Lord of Mercy Catholic Church, 117 Hartman St. Hatch, NM 87937 on July 5, 2024 at 10:00 am
Military inurnment of remains will take place at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery on July 8, 2024 at 10:00 am.