Gilbert Acevedo Sr.

Mr. Acevedo passed gently from this world to be united with his Lord on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at the age of 80. Gilbert was born to Francisco and Lilian Acevedo on February 4, 1937 in Roswell NM. Both of his parents have preceded him in death.
Gilbert was a lifelong resident of Roswell NM and was a regular fixture at the ball park. He was a fanatic for the game of baseball, and even at a young age, showed a raw talent for the sport. In the old baseball lot, where Wendy's fast food sits today, Gilbert would spend hours playing. He practiced with disciplined cadence hitting and catching, honing his skills and transforming himself into a professional player. The sport of baseball requires careful analysis and the acuity of each player is rigorously tested. To achieve and dominate the player must be both mentally and physically prepared. Gilbert's relentless practicing and years of dedication resulted in him being an unstoppable force at the bat, a champion in the outfield, and an aficionado off the field. His team was the New York Yankee's and he followed them with the fervor and zeal of a religious fan. He understood the intricacy and art of each play which helped him to become an amazing coach. His vast library of knowledge was passed down from one generation to the next and he gave each team he coached the same rigorous dedication that he sought for himself. When his son Gilbert Jr. began coaching the women's softball team, McMillion Oil, he was there in solidarity and support. Even until his last days you could find Gilbert at his grandchildren's softball and baseball games supporting them from the stands.
Gilbert was of the Catholic faith and he attended church at St Peters on a regular basis. Though his spare time was sparse it wasn't uncommon to catch Gilbert at home watching the WWE (wrestling) on TV or tuning in on the radio to listen to his favorite Spanish band. He was mechanically inclined and could fix almost anything that needed to be fixed regardless if it was a car not working or broken plumbing in the house. His self-reliant nature and jack-of-all-trade skills enable him to maintain his freedom and independence even in his later years.
The legacy of his life will be remembered beyond his athletics and hobbies. His family was his true passion and love and the pride he had is evident in the time he dedicated to them. His children were given his unconditional love and he placed their welfare first and foremost. Each grandchild knew their grandfather was a phone call away and he made sure to give them the security of a provider and mentor. His legacy will be the values and dedication and an undying and ever-present love of a father and grandfather. Though the body is done the love will never be gone.
Gilbert is survived by his sons Gilbert R. Acevedo Jr of Roswell, NM, Faustino Acevedo and Christine of Phoenix, AZ; daughters Grace Lopez and Ricardo of Coon Rapids, MN, Bonnie Acevedo of Roswell, NM and Frances Acevedo of Las Cruces, NM; grandchildren Ashley Ramirez and Manual, Nicole Acevedo, Ricardo R. Lopez, Kayla of Coons Rapids, MN, Ashly Nicole Montoya, Reynaldo Lopez, Deserae Perez, Destiny Acevedo, Jacqueline Acevedo, Alyssa Acevedo and Megan Acevedo; 8 great grandchildren, special niece and caregiver Sylvia Archuleta, longtime partner Margaret Acevedo.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Mercedes Artiaga, Alice Archuleta, Elena Archuleta, Consuelo Acevedo; brother Louie Acevedo; great grandson Isiah Ramirez; nephew Louis Archuleta.
Pallbearers will be Ricardo Lopez, Reynaldo Lopez, Manual "Manny" Ramirez, Daniel Lopez, Joe Garcia and Anthony Archuleta. Honorary Pallbearers are Chris Rodriguez, Ynez Jaramillo, Ernest Archuleta and Ricardo G. Lopez
The family would like to thank Don Baltazar, Reba Stroble, Batriz Deleon from Advanced Home Care. Thank you so much for your kindness.
A visitation will be held at Ballard Funeral Home on Friday December 15, 2017 from 8:00am to 5:00pm with a rosary at St. Peters Catholic Church at 7:00pm. A funeral mass will be recited on Saturday December 16, 2017 at 10:30am at St. Peters with burial to follow at South Park Cemetery.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, December 15, 2017
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Service

Rosary

St. Peters Catholic Church
109 E. Deming
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, December 15, 2017
7:00 pm

Mass

St. Peters Catholic Church
109 E. Deming
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, December 16, 2017
10:30 am

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203