Rafael Baca, age 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.
Rafael was born in Socorro, NM on September 10, 1932 to Gregorio and María (Luna) Baca.
Rafael was a lifelong resident of Socorro.
Rafael enjoyed fishing and hunting and he was an avid rifleman. Rafael loved the outdoors. Rafael was quiet the "Story - Teller" and could capture anyone's attention when he told one of his stories. Rafael was a card shark and enjoyed playing card games with his family. Rafael was a very generous man and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to him.
Rafael was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Severo Baca and Joselias Baca, his sister, Rafaelita Baca and his first and second wives, Molly Baca and Virginia Aragón Baca.
Rafael is survived by his devoted children, Lino Baca and his wife, Eva, Rosie Baca, Margie Baca and her husband, Danny, Della Sarracino and Dean Vaughn, Gilbert Baca and his wife, Suzanne, Edwina Armijo and her husband, Edwin, Nella Baca and Randy Herrera Ricky Baca and Roberta Sefcovic, Helen Strasser-Baca and her husband, Steve, Gregorio Baca and Kenneth Baca. Rafael also enjoyed 35 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and many other loving family members and close friends.
A Holy Rosary will be recited on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at San Miguel Catholic Church, 403 El Camino Real, Socorro. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, April 19, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. also at San Miguel Catholic Church with Father Andrew Pavlak as Celebrant. Interment will take place in the San Miguel Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lino R. Baca Jr., Robert Sáiz Jr., Ricky Sarracino Jr., Gilbert Baca Jr., Ralph Baca and Charles Baca. Honorary pallbearers will be Edwin Armijo Jr., Chris Benavidez, James Vaughn, Gabriel Baca, Josh Baca and John Paul Armijo.