ROGER MASCARENAS
1/30/1934–12/12/2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Roger Mascarenas. He left this world on December 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. He is preceded in death by his precious wife of 63 years, Jacquelline Aileen Mascarenas.
He is survived by his 7 children: Cliff (Emily), Stan (Sherry), Stuart (Beverly), Rodger (Terri), Travis, Jeff (Anna), and Roxanne (Louie) Vasquez; his 11 grandchildren with whom he had a special bond: Melinda (Frankie) Ramirez, Matthew (Rejeana) and Kyle (Emily) Mascarenas; Vanessa (James) Carpenter, Eric (Miranda)and Justin (Larissa) Mascarenas; Maya Mascarenas, Jordan (Will) Wadsworth; Josephine Wyland; Janelle (Remy) Christian and Arianna Vasquez; 11 great-grandchildren: Micaela, Analyse and Raquel Ramirez; Caleb and Ariel Mascarenas; Tyler Mascarenas and Makenzie Carpenter; Bailey and Riley Mascarenas; Paislee Mascarenas; and Nadia Wadsworth.
He is also survived by sisters: Lillian Nieto, Sadie Dunagan and Christine Garner; sisters-in-law: Mary Mascarenas, Jewell Carrillo and Deborah LaMore, and brother-in-law Tony (Nick) Salazar.
He was preceded in death by his special grandson, Alexander (Zanders) Mascarenas; parents Bernardino and Dulcinea Mascarenas; brothers Gene and Alejandro Mascarenas; sisters Tillie Tafoya, Beatrice (Eloy) Sanchez, Lupe (Max) Romero; brothers-in-law Felipe Nieto, Steve Dunagan and Mike Garner; father/mother-in-law Antonio and Dilia Salazar; brothers-in-law Bruno Salazar, Eddie Carrillo, Tom LaMore; sisters-in-law, Janet Salazar, Judy (Gilbert) Roybal and June Swartz.
Roger was born in the Village of San Ignacio, NM. He received his Associates of Arts degree from New Mexico Highlands University and his bachelor’s degree from the College of Santa Fe. He retired from the State of New Mexico as a Certified Public Accountant.
In 1959, he met Jacquelline Salazar while cruising in Santa Fe, NM. He knew the moment he saw her that she would be his eternal partner. They were married and cherished their love until her death in 2022. He is in heaven with her now, continuing his serenade of love songs, and dancing up a storm.
Roger was a proud U.S. Marine and was prepared to defend his country. He was the true original cowboy and gentleman. He was a strong father, courageous and polite, with the highest integrity. Roger loved Jesus and led his family by example in worshiping our Lord.
He enjoyed entertaining people by playing his guitar and singing country and Spanish ballads. Roger had a strong competitive streak. If there was a ‘roping’ anywhere, you would find him there, doubling steers. He was proud of the horses he raised and trained and always received compliments as to their qualities. The family brandings will be very empty without El Jefe. He will be missed immensely.
Pallbearers: Melinda Ramirez, Vanessa Carpenter, Maya Mascarenas, Jordan Wadsworth, Kyle Mascarenas, Janelle Christian, Arianna Vasquez, and Josephine Wyland.
Honorary pallbearers: Cliff Mascarenas, Stan Mascarenas, Stuart Mascarenas, Rodger Mascarenas, Travis Mascarenas, Jeff Mascarenas and Roxanne Mascarenas-Vasquez.
Eulogy: Eric, Justin, and Matthew Mascarenas
Services will be: A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm on Thursday 1/11/2024, at Berardinelli Family Funeral Home. A second rosary will be prayed at 9:30 am on Friday 1/12/2024 at Santa Maria de la Paz, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. Reception following mass at Santa Maria de la Paz. Rosaries and mass will be livestreamed.