Manuel B. Perea

Manuel B. Perea

Died 2023

Manuel B. Perea, age 92, a life-long resident of Belen, passed away peacefully at the home where he was born in on June 7, 2023.

Manuel is preceded in death by his cherished wife of 60 years, Flora Perea; his parents, Manuel de Atocha Perea and Maria Barela Perea; as well as his nine siblings. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He is survived by his three children, Arlene Garcia (Danny), Tami Perea-Martinez (Joseph) and Manuel Thomas Perea III. His grandchildren are Camille, Marissa (Adrian), Marcos, Jacob (Belleza), Isaac, Patrice (Izzy), Ramon, Angela and Tomas. His great-grandchildren are Aaron, Annelieze, Angelo, Adalyn, Analia, Alivia and (baby) Gutierrez.

He dedicated his life to human services, touching many lives. He tilled his land at his home in Belen and his land in Tomé. He loved to travel and he made wine. His nephews and nieces lovingly called him Uncle Bud. His friends called him, Manny his childhood friends and sea-mates called him, Little Bear.

He graduated from Belen High School in 1949 with one year of active military duty. His Naval career as a ships serviceman second class ended honorably in 1954. He was awarded the Nations Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal (1st Award).

He worked for the state of New Mexico for 25 years as a social worker and supervisor in Valencia County, retiring in 1985.

Services will be held Thursday, June 15, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church beginning with viewing at 9 a.m., followed by eulogy at 9:30 a.m. by Dr. Ernest Perea, MD., a Rosary at 10 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in the historical section at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. A reception to follow.

Pallbearers will include Jacob Martinez, Isaac Martinez, Tomas Perea, Marcos Garcia, Adrian Vega, Izzy Gutierrez, Ramon Manuel Perea and Aaron Martinez. Honorary pallbearers are Kathy Gray, Zoe Ann Perea Gamboa and Rita Murdock.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.