Dr. Alfonso R. Trujillo

PRICE-Dr. Alfonso Reynaldo Trujillo passed peacefully on May 25, 2017. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He was born on April 14, 1923 in Manassa, Colo. He was the seventh child of Samuel and Fermina Trujillo.
Al grew up helping his dad and brothers tend their farm. In school he excelled, earning valedictorian honors in high school, and after one year at BYU in Provo, Utah he joined the army in 1943. After testing, Al was assigned to intelligence and had the highest security clearance for preparation of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. He was part of Army Intelligence in London, interpreting aerial photos of topography for battle plans. Because of Al’s security clearance, he was initially denied a request to participate in the D-Day invasion. He successfully appealed that decision with General Ridgeway and was granted permission on condition that he leaves all identification behind. He was attached to the 82nd Airborne, parachuting into France at St. Mere-Eglise on June 6th, 1944. He was also involved in the Battle of the Bulge and other campaigns until his honorable discharge at the rank of staff sergeant.
When he returned to Denver he married Vera Romero, his childhood sweetheart and wife of 71 years. As newlyweds they moved to Provo, Utah where Alfonso finished his Bachelor’s of Science degree from BYU in 1948. For two years he worked at Kaiser Mining Co. before joining the faculty of the College of Eastern Utah, now Utah State University Eastern.
Alfonso’s brilliance was demonstrated in the classroom, excelling in math and chemistry. He achieved a master’s degree from Utah State University and in 1971 obtained a PHD in fuels engineering from the University of Utah. He published several research papers on coal hydrogenation, coefficients of legoglobins and mathematics. His teaching career at CEU included serving as science department chair, Dean of Students, and Academic Vice President. In these roles he was instrumental in establishing the mining program at CEU. He was also instrumental in facilitating the acquisition of an independent nursing program at CEU and later expanding that program to the Blanding campus. He retired in 1986 but so enjoyed the classroom that he continued to teach part time until 1997. He was the favorite professor of many as he taught chemistry and math. He always encouraged his students to explore new ideas and concepts. In 1995 he received the CEU Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Doc”, as many affectionately called him, had many accomplishments, from distinguished professor to service recognitions, and appreciation awards. One of his great loves was Jesus Christ, serving him for many years. He served as a elder in Price Chapel Church for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Vera, his son Carl (Tracy) Trujillo, daughters Patricia Trujillo and Shawnee (David) Ariotti, son Marc (Kim) Trujillo; 16 grandchildren, Justin Dentin, Jessica Trujillo, Eric Trujillo, April Dentin, Regina, Alecia, and Anthony Trujillo, Jodi (Brentton) Stowe, Tracy Steele, Micah, Miles, Samuel, and Joseph Trujillo, Melissa (Austin) Cartwright, Stephanie (Chris) Pugliese, Brianna Ariotti; 18 great grandchildren Erynn, Elijah, and Everitt Dentin, David and Derrick Zanin, Mercedes, Emmitt, and Cash McDaniel, Roselyn, Connor, and Madelyn Stowe; Annamaria, Alexandra, Veronica, and Natalie Cartwright, Lizbeth, Izabelle, and Olivia Pugliese. His son Alfonso Michael Trujillo, mother and father and his siblings precede him in death.
Funeral service Saturday, June 3rd, 2017, 10 a.m. Mitchell Funeral Home, 233 East Main Street in Price where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Internment, Mountain View Cemetery, Helper, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.