Teodoro “Ted” Horacio Mondragon
November 9, 1928 – April 11, 2020
Ted Mondragon age 91 passed away from congestive heart failure on April 11, 2020 in Woodbridge, Virginia while visiting his son. He was born in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico on November 9, 1928 and was the son of Sabino Mondragon and Francisquita Valerio Mondragon.
Ted married Dollie Valdez on June 7, 1952 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Taos. After their marriage, Ted and Dollie moved to Pueblo Colorado. They moved back to Taos a couple of years later and lived in their home in Taos
for 65 years, where they raised their children.
Ted’s life was governed by his Catholic faith and he was a strong Christian role model for his family and many within the Taos community. He was very active as a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic community in Taos, and was an active member in many parish organizations including the Parish Council, the Holy Name Society and he also served as a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He served as the Mayordomo at both our Lady of Guadalupe Church and the San Antonio Chapel on La Loma Plaza.
Ted was a graduate of Taos High School and subsequently worked at the Pueblo Army Depot in Pueblo Colorado. After his return to Taos, Ted worked at Safeway and Plaza Food grocery stores as a meat cutter. He retired at age 65 from the Molycorp mine in Questa, New Mexico, where he worked as a diesel mechanic.
Ted is survived by his 6 children, Kathy Mondragón (Steve Richey) of Albuquerque NM, Dominic Mondragón (Jennifer Kennard) of Taos NM, Teresa Mondragón (Juan Gonzalez) of Albuquerque NM, John Mondragón (Ida Cruz Mondragón) of Woodbridge VA, Veronica Mondragón (Clarence “Willy” Wilcox) of Merritt Island FL. He was preceded in death by wife of 65 years, Eleanor “Dollie” Valdez Mondragon and daughter, Maria Nicole Rivera (Sam Rivera).
Ted and Dollie have 13 grandchildren, Kathy’s sons: Sean Richey and Patrick Richey; Teresa’s daughter: Jennifer Gurule (Felimon Gurule); John’s children: Elyse Robertson (Derek), Ian Mondragón and Elliot Mondragón; Veronica’s children: Michael Wilcox, Rachel Dowling (Brent) and Nikolas Wilcox; and Maria’s children: Krista Fant (Damian), Diego Rivera, Samantha Rivera and Natalie Rivera. He also had 7 great-grandchildren: Jacob Mondragón, Devin Gurule, Trevor Gurule, Carissa Gurule, Robert Fant, Hayden Dowling and Camden Dowling. He is also survived by siblings Moises Mondragon, Manuelita Mullins, Herman Mondragon and Florencio Mondragon. He was preceded in death by siblings Trinidad, Andres and Gregorio Mondragon.
Ted’s cremains will be returned to his home town of Taos, New Mexico, where they will be laid to rest next to his wife at Sierra Vista Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at a later date after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
