Henry A. Vasquez

VASQUEZ- Henry A. Vasquez, 78, a resident of Rio Rancho, NM since 1995 and formerly of Albuquerque, NM passed away June 19, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Frances Vasquez; in-laws, Mike and Mary Sotomayor; children, Henry Arthur Vasquez of Milpitas, CA, Mario Vasquez and wife Sonia of Elk Grove, CA, Veronica Fimby and husband Joe of San Jose, CA, Teresa Herrera of Albuquerque, NM; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Domingo Vasquez and wife Alejandra of Fresno, CA; sister, Alice Huerta of Grover Beach, CA, Carmen Garcia and husband Eugene of Grover Beach, CA. Henry was born in Jollyville, TX, close to Austin. Henry enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 and was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the US Army and was honorably discharged June 9 of 1954 with the rank of Sergeant. Henry experience the loss of his parents early in life, and the loss of his mother moved him to change his plans from a career in the Army to supporting his family and siblings. He started working for Paul Masson winery and eventually became a wine blender. His small claim to fame is that he was photographed by Ansel Adams for a book, ‘Gift of the Grape”. He later used his many talents to learn a variety of trades and worked as a machinist, in construction, and at one time operated his own landscaping and design business. Henry was a master carpenter and gifted handyman, completing custom woodworking projects for family and friends. He had a very creative mind and could often figure out difficult jobs in innovative ways. He loved to read but was happiest working on projects. People often described Henry by using terms like a kind man, a person of integrity, charming, a great friend, a gentleman, generous, talented and having a great sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 23, 2011 at Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Road Chapel, 4310 Sara Road SE and Meadowlark Lane, Rio Rancho. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, June 24, 2011 at Church of The Incarnation, 2309 Monterrey Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM. A reception and celebration of his life will follow the funeral Mass at his home at 917 Chihuahua Rd. NE in Rio Rancho, NM. All are welcome. Interment will be held at 12:45 pm, Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. Henry’s care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services Sara Road Chapel 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 505-892-9920