Pascual Castulo Baca

Pascual Castulo Baca

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father! – Lydia M. Child

Pascual Castulo Baca, 96, passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at his residence in La Cienega, NM surrounded by his family.   He was born on March 23, 1924 in Milagro, NM to Pascual B. Baca and Francesquita Sisneros Baca.  He married Katey Leyba on September 20, 1947 and they shared 65 blessed years together until she passed away on April 2013.  Together they raised 9 children in Santa Fe, NM.  He will reunite with his wife, son and all the dearly departed.

In January 1943 he served his country by joining the United States Army.  He was a member of the 35th Infantry Division (Santa Fe Division) during World War II.  The Division sailed and arrived in England on May 25, 1944.  On July 28, 1944 he was injured by a mortar shell, was hospitalized, received the Purple Heart medal and was honorably discharged in January 1946.

He worked on ranches in Roswell, NM and the golf course in Santa Fe, NM.  Then on December 1950 he began his career with the Public Service Company of NM and retired after 30 years of service on January 1981.

Pascual was dependable, honest, a hard worker, always willing to help his family and friends with various building projects.  He enjoyed the sport of bowling where he participated in a bowling league as well as tournaments.  He also enjoyed going to rodeos throughout NM as well as singing.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Katey and son, John; parents Pascual B. and Francisquita Baca, a sister Rita Brito, brothers Liberato, Ernesto and George Baca; parents-in-law, Luis and Florinda Leyba; sisters-in-law, Antonia Montoya, Feliciana Leyba, Selina Byers, Ramona Leyba and brothers-in-law, Mike and Paul Leyba as well as numerous family members and in-laws.

Pascual is survived by his devoted children, Evelyn Sandoval (Tony), Margaret Baca (Jess Maes), Herman (Mary), Gloria (Joe), Hilda, Greg, Ron (Maria), Emily Guerrero (Gerardo) and Jennifer.  

Pascual’s life was also graced by his surviving grandchildren; Herman, Jr. (Vitalia), Melissa McIntyre (Lane), Robert (Georgia), John (Jessica), Elsa Stilwell (Keith), Ashleigh Schutz, Gerardo Guerrero (Clarissa), Jared (HeavenLee Casaus), Jose Delgado, Carolyn and Katey Baca.

He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Shantel, Miranda, Makayla, Dominic, Sebastian, Mackenzie, Kayliana and Jesse James Baca; Reese and Sienna McIntyre, Izaiah Guerrero, Olivia Kate Valdez and Penelope Stilwell.

Surviving siblings; Felipe Baca, Florencia Melchor and Dora Archuleta.

Surviving In-laws; Aurora Hentzen, Marcella Vandersommen, Cayetano Leyba, Jerry Leyba, Ray Leyba (Vickie), Tommie Leyba, Mary Gonzales and Mary Louise Rodriguez (Mike).

Pallbearers:  Herman Baca, Jr., Robert Baca, John Baca, Gerardo Guerrero, Jose Delgado and Jared Baca.

Special thanks to Ambercare Hospice in Santa Fe (Mark Kneisly), Professional Home Health Care of New Mexico (Brian Conway for his professional expertise and Dominic Romero for being such a wonderful trooper in caring for our father).

In lieu of Flowers and to celebrate the life of Pascual Baca, the family suggests sending memorial donations to the University of New Mexico’s Comprehensive Cancer Center Women’s Cancer Fund, which supports cutting-edge breast cancer research.  Gifts can be made – noting in memory of Pascual Baca online at https://www.unmfund.,org/fund/womens-cancer-research or by check payable to UNM Foundation and sent to UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Development Office, MSC074025, 1201 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001.   

Or donations to Multiple Sclerosis at www.nationalmssociety.org/donate click the link “Give in Honor or Memory” or mailed to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1050 N. Post Oak, Suite 240, Houston, TX 77055. 

A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church located at 1301 Osage Ave, Santa Fe, NM followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 p.m. located at 501 N. Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM.