Gloria Bulkan

Joseph Flavio Vigil, "Big Joe", age 76, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. He was born on March 3, 1949, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to Flavio and Alice Corrine Vigil.

As a young teenager, Joseph, nicknamed, "Boy", then loved spending summer vacation and holidays at his grandparents' ranch in Sabinoso. On any given day, you could find him on horseback, sitting in the fruit trees feasting on the fruit, swimming in the Canadian River, which ran through the property, hiding out with his Uncle at the family's Tiendita eating snacks or picking fruits, vegetables and Chile during fall harvest. Joseph also grew up on the family ranch, "Los Alamitos", where he spent his early years ranching alongside his father, mother, and siblings. Those years shaped his strong work ethic.

Joseph proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era, reflecting his dedication, courage, and love for his country.

He was a graduate of Robertson High School and began his working years employed by the City of Las Veas, followed by numerous other jobs reflecting his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. He later found a long-term position with the State of New Mexico, where he dedicated 25 years of service as a Security Guard, Maintenance Worker, and Painter. He retired in February 2002, leaving behind a reputation for reliability and pride in his work.

A devoted Catholic, Joseph lived his life guided by faith and compassion, finding comfort in prayer and hope in the promise of eternal life.

Joseph's greatest joy was camping. Each spring, he eagerly planned his family's first trip of the year. After retirement, he made sure to enjoy two to three camping trips each month until fall. One of his favorite places was Duran Canyon in La Junta, where he spent many peaceful days in the mountains he loved.

If you knew Joseph, you also knew he took great pride in his vehicles-especially his trucks. And for those who knew him in his younger days, there was one car that stood above the rest: his first love, the Candy Apple Red 1971 Chevelle. Many close family and friends have many memories of him and that car.

Joseph also took great pride in his home. He always made sure his yard was beautifully cared for, spending countless hours landscaping and planting trees so he could bring a bit of the mountains into the city and create his own peaceful scenery at home.

Joseph loved music and always had something playing - from the classics of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, to Country and Spanish music. One of his favorites was Creedence Clearwater Revival, and many remember the sound of their songs playing in his home and trucks.

Loving and warmhearted, Joseph was known to many as a "Gentle Giant." His kindness, patience, and quiet strength touched all who knew him.

Above all, Joseph was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Guadalupe Tafoya-Vigil; his daughter, Bernadette Jo Vigil-Cruz, and son-in-law, Michael L. Cruz; his son, Dominic Joseph Vigil; his beloved grandchildren, Amor Elena Vigil, James Diego Cruz, J.J. Bustamante, and Anastaciya Vigil; his siblings, Frances Cruz, Angela Juarez (Ernesto), David Vigil (Patricia), Michael Vigil (Nancy), Carl Vigil, Joyce Sanchez (Gilbert), Donald Vigil (Debbie), and Loretta Medina; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends whom he deeply cherished.

He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Crystal Vigil; his youngest son, James Vigil; his parents, Flavio and Alice Vigil; his nieces, Patricia Cruz and DeAnna Romero; his nephew, Gillie Sanchez, brother-in-law David Cruz Sr.; and his maternal grandparents, Frank and Frutosa Lujan, and paternal grandparents, Patricio and Eliza Vigil.

A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 6:00 pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 9:00 am at Our Lady of Sorrow Church with the following serving as pallbearers; Michael Cruz, James Cruz, David Cruz Jr, Frank Arguello, David Vigil Jr., Carl Vigil Jr., Paul Vigil, Kenneth "Kippy" Medina. Honorary pallbearers; Joseph's numerous nieces and nephews. Interment will follow at 2:00 pm at Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors.

Joseph will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In love of our Savior, Jesus Christ May Joseph rest in peace.

"It's not goodbye, it's see you later."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, 403 Valencia St, Las Vegas, NM 87701.

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

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