Alipio Mondragon

Lipio Mondragon

July 27, 2026

Lipio Mondragon, of Llano Quemado, went to be with the Lord on July 27, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi Mondragon and Elsie Gonzales; his brother, Levi Mondragon Jr.; sisters, Ercilia Mondragon, Adelina Mondragon, and Connie Medina; grandson, Vincent Ballantine; and grandparents, Claudio and Celestina (Tina) Romero, and Damian and Juanita Mondragon.

Lipio is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia; his daughters, Martha (Marti) Mondragon and Theresa Rolley (Brent); his sons, Norbert Mondragon (Felicia), Alipio Mondragon, Jr. and Paul Mondragon; and a cousin whom he always considered a brother, Claudio Martinez (Angie). He leaves behind a legacy of 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

On July 6, 1953, Lipio enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in MABS 16 First Marine Airwing and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on July 5, 1957, at the rank of Corporal. Throughout his life, Lipio was extremely proud of his military service, proudly wearing and displaying the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. Semper Fi!

Following his military discharge in 1957, he began a distinguished career with the U.S. Forest Service on the Angeles National Forest, starting as a “shovel man” on the Chileo Hotshot Crew. He went on to become one of the original Chileo Heli-Jumpers, pioneering early hover-jumping firefighting techniques and protective suit designs using original Bell 47 helicopters. In 1970, Lipio transferred to the Carson National Forest, where he served until his retirement in 1987 as the forest’s Fire Management Officer. Among his many career accomplishments, he spoke with the greatest joy about developing and submitting the proposal that established the Carson Hotshots—an initiative approved by the Regional Office that remains a proud part of his professional legacy.

A dedicated community leader, Lipio later founded the Llano Quemado Community Center. Driven by a vision to create a gathering place for local families, he spent several years bringing the project to fruition with the steadfast support of Representative Nick Salazar. Today, it stands as one of the finest community centers in Taos County.

An avid outdoorsman, expert sawyer, and passionate fisherman, Lipio took immense pride in hauling wood and loading his truck to the top. He was an accomplished carpenter who excelled at cabinet making in his woodshop. Above all, he was a devoted teacher and mentor to his children and grandchildren, guiding them in everything from riding bikes to master-level life skills. Lipio also loved his dogs, four of whom were his constant companions in retirement—whether riding along in an ATV or backhoe, or keeping him company in the shop. He is now reunited with his beloved dogs Vamos and Noel, while Rocky and Maui remain at home wondering where he is.

Rosary will be recited on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 6:00pm, Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 10:00am, both held at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church. 

The family of Lipio Mondragon has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019