Pete Baca

Pete Baca, 78 of Bernalillo, NM, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at the VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM.

Pete was born in Albuquerque, NM, on July 22, 1944 to Pablo and Catalina Gonzales. Pete was raised in Santa Rosa by Pete Baca and Frances (Martinez) Baca and graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1962.  Following graduation, Pete honorably served his country in the Vietnam War.  Pete married the former Toni Madrid on January 17, 1976 at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Pete’s career was in Law Enforcement and included working for the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Rosa Police Department.  Following his tenure in Guadalupe County, Pete worked for NM Special Investigations Division, Internal Affairs and DEA Drug Task Force, retiring as a Lieutenant from S.I.D.

Pete was a parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Bernalillo and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Pete was also a member of the North Valley Senior Center, where he taught tin work and wood working.

Being an accomplished artist, Pete donated many pieces of handmade furniture and tin work to charities in an effort to raise money for charitable causes.  His religious artwork won many prizes at the New Mexico State Fair and at the Sandoval County Fair.  In his spare time, Pete’s greatest joy came from the time he spent with his granddaughter, family and friends.

Pete is preceded in death by his son: Pedro Baca, III, his adopted parents: Pedro and Frances Baca, his biological parents: Pablo and Catalina Gonzales, sisters: Theresa, Linda and Vicky Gonzales and brother: Richard Gonzales, Mother and Father-in-Law: Narciso and Elena Madrid and brothers-in-law: Frank Madrid, Ernesto Madrid and Joe Madrid.

Pete is survived by his wife of 47 years: Toni Baca of the family home, daughter: Amanda Baca and granddaughter: Avani Harris, both of Bernalillo, NM, his siblings: Epifano Gonzales, Vivian Gonzales, Mary Gonzales, all of Albuquerque, NM, his in-laws: Andy (Sylvia) Madrid, Patsy Madrid, Lorraine Madrid and Gloria Madrid, all of Santa Rosa and Puerto De Luna, and his special nephew: Joe Gonzales (Norma) of Albuquerque.  Pete is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be Sunday, January 29, 2023, from 1-6PM, at Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, followed by The Mass of Christian Burial, will be Monday, January 30, 2023 at 11AM at Nuestra Señora Del Refugio Catholic Church in Puerto De Luna, NM, with Father Stephen Imbarrato officiating the service.

Interment, with full military honors will follow at Nuestra Señora Del Refugio Cemetery in Puerto De Luna, with Frank Madrid, Marty Madrid, Martin Madrid, Pablo Gonzales, Berto Chavez and Ryan Madrid serving as Pallbearers.  Honorary Pallbearers will include: Joe Gonzales, Jesus Ortiz, Saul Arizmendy and Andy Madrid.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.  575-472-3369.  To place an online condolence or tribute, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.