Nicolas Apodaca. Jr.

Send Flowers Nicolas v. Apodaca. Jr. February 9, 1922 - March 6, 2015 It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow we announce the passing of our father, Nick V. Apodaca on Friday, March 6, 2015. Dad was 93 years old but is now enjoying eternal life. Nick was born February 9, 1922 in Fillmore, NM to Juanita Valenzuela Apodaca and Nicolas Apodaca. He met and married his precious bride Delia Alvarez Apodaca on June 23, 1947. Dad had to quit school at 10 years of age to provide for his mother and siblings. In spite of not having the opportunity of a very formal education he was one of the smartest people we knew. He stressed the importance of education to his children. Dad was very supportive and proud of his children and grandchildren. He instilled a strong work ethic in us and believed any job worth doing should be done right or not at all. Nick worked as an ironworker his whole life and although he was proud of his profession he didn't want his children to have to work outside in the elements as he did. He was a generous man with a huge heart and believed in helping anyone in need. He worked hard to provide for his family and even share with his neighbors. It was not uncommon for him to pick up produce, knock on the door of a friend or neighbor to offer them some of whatever it was he had. Dad enjoyed sitting outside watching the children walk home from school. He was even known to buy them a treat from the ice cream man. Some of them called him "grandpa" although they were of no relation. They had just grown to love him so. Another of dad's favorite pastimes was going to the casino and he was usually pretty lucky. Some of the people there became very fond of him also. He was always taking them gifts of chile or pecans. Nick touched many people in his life and has left us with many happy memories. Dad served in the Army Air Force receiving an honorable discharge after 4 years. He was a proud member of VFW Post 3242. Left to cherish these memories are his family, daughter Grace McIntyre, son Tony Apodaca and wife Minerva, their children Kristina, Anthony J. and Dana, daughter Rose Coca and husband Joe, their son Matthew, son Mike and wife Gloria, their children Larry and Jocelyn. He is also survived by grandchildren Joseph Romero, Juliette Stanton, Janette Gehler, Robert Cardon and Johnny Cardon. Fifteen great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his sister Lupe Baca and brother Ernesto Apodaca. We would also like to recognize his wonderful caregiver Zulena Martinez who took such loving care of him. She has become part of our family. Nick was preceded in death by his wife, Delia, daughter Irene Romero and son Alex Cardon, his parents, his siblings Carmen Dioses, Margaret Alvarez, Luis Apodaca and Alberto Apodaca. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 13, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.