Michael Benito Mascareñas, 69, a lifelong resident of Monte Vista, Colorado passed away at the same home he grew up in on Friday September 25, 2026. He was born on February 6, 1957 in Monte Vista and spent his entire life surrounded by the beautiful mountains, family, and community he loved. 

Michael was an extremely intelligent man and was a proud graduate and “a licensed professional” as he loved saying. He was the perfect example of you can do anything you put your mind to. From stories of having to work at a young age and having to drop out of school, he earned his GED in 1986 in Alamosa public school and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, sociology, and social welfare from Adams State College (now University) in 1990. He also earned his Master of Arts degree in psychology and community counseling in 1992 from Adams State College. During that time he was elected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities in 1990-1991 “in recognition of outstanding merit and accomplishment as a student at Adams State College.” 

Michael took pride in everything he did. Whether it was pointing out buildings he helped build when he worked in construction to keeping his cars cleaned and well maintained to wearing all the things he cherished and were gifts from those he loved. 

Throughout his professional career, Michael dedicated himself to helping others. He worked as a registered psychotherapist, adult and children’s counselor, senior caseworker, and counselor for drug prevention and intervention. He was honored and recognized by The United States Achievement Academy All American Scholar, The United States Achievement Academy in Social Sciences in Community Counseling, and The National Collegiate Natural Sciences Award. 

On October 21, 1978, Michael married the love of his life, Patricia Theresa Jaramillo in the First Christian Church in Monte Vista. Together, they built a loving family and shared 49 years of marriage. This year would’ve been their 50th wedding anniversary. “I would’ve been out by now” he would joke referencing prison time versus marriage. 

Michael had many interests and passions throughout his life. He lived his life fiercely doing exactly what he wanted and thought was best. He was the definition of stubborn and also carried that through his bloodline. He loved being in the mountains, fishing, picnicking, all animals everywhere, model cars, listening to music, old television shows (The Andy Griffith Show), and old Western movies. Above all else he cherished his family, especially his grandchildren and great granddaughter. He loved all things Halloween and he also passed that love on to his children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter. Michael was known for his love and appreciation of sunlight, anything and everything outside, and bright colors (especially orange). The rock of our family will be greatly missed beyond measure and loved forever in our hearts until we meet again. His family finds comfort in knowing that he has finally found peace in every way and is together with Deidre again. 

Michael is survived in love by his wife Patricia Mascareñas; his daughter Michele Mascareñas; his son Michael T. Mascareñas; his grandchildren Annitra Gallegos and Elijah Gallegos; his great-granddaughter Analisa Archuleta; his siblings Tony (Cathy) Mascareñas, David (Andrea) Mascareñas, Paul (Dora) Mascareñas, Eddie Mascareñas, John (Janet) Mascareñas, and Virginia (Charlie) Lucero, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members too numerous to name. 

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Damian (JD) and Alice (Cardenas) Mascareñas; his siblings Manuel Mascareñas, Gilbert Mascareñas, Junior Mascareñas, Helen Romero, Rose Sanchez, and Leo Mascareñas; his granddaughter Deidre Nyquist-Mascareñas; and his infant son Michael Anthony Mascareñas, who only lived fifteen minutes on Earth. 

Michael leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will forever carry his love with them. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had been blessed with the privilege of knowing him. A Memorial Mass to celebrate and remember Michael’s life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2:00 pm. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alamosa, Colorado. Michael’s eulogy will be read at 1:45 pm. Burial will follow at Alamosa Municipal Cemetery.