Leo David Catanach, age 78, from Santa Fe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on March 22, 2009 following a lengthy illness, with his loving family by his side. Born in Santa Fe, a 4th generation New Mexican, Leo graduated from Santa Fe High School, joined the United States Navy in 1951 as a Radioman Third Class and served honorably in the Korean War until 1955. He attended the College of Santa Fe from 1955-1957 and became President/Owner of the United Abstract Company in Santa Fe, where he worked for over 30 years. Leo continued his education by attending Santa Fe Community College, worked for the County of Santa Fe, and the State of New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, where he retired. Leo was well-known in the Santa Fe community and actively involved in the local and state political arena, having served two terms as County Commissioner on the Santa Fe County Commission from 1973-1976, followed by four terms as State Representative in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1979-1986, representing District 48 in Santa Fe. Leo was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Fraternal Order of Elks. He also served as an usher and lector for several years at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. He was preceded in death by his parents Juan Jose Catanach and Rosa Lovato Catanach; brothers Arthur and Jose Benito Catanach; sister Minnie Ortiz; twins, Juanita and baby Catanach; and granddaughter Shaina Rose Catanach. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Susie Catanach; five children, sons Leo Arthur and wife Lori, Richard and wife Abby, Steven and wife Nancy; daughters, Allison and daughter Serina, Melissa and husband Richard; 11 grandchildren: Jenay, Joshua, Jerica, Katrina, Danielle, Kristin, Eric, Aaron, Serina, Isaac, and Gabriella; one great-grandchild, Zoe; brothers Ernie , John Junior, Rudy, Lawrence; sisters Tina , Josie, and Connie; and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Open Hands, Adult Day Care Services, 2976 Rodeo Park Drive East, c/o Leo David Catanach. Special appreciation to the hospice team from Odyssey Health Care, the caregivers from Open Hands and Best Way Home Health Care, especially Leos little angel Arien. Special gratitude to Father Leo Ortiz and Deacon Enrique Montoya from Saint Anne Parish, Monsignor Douglas Raun from Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, and Virginia for their gracious presence and beautiful prayers. Serving as Pallbearers are Leo Arthur Catanach, Richard Catanach, Steven Catanach, Eric Catanach, Joshua Catanach, and Richard Garcia. A visitation will be held Thursday, March 26, 2009, 6 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 7 p.m. at Berardinelli Family Chapel Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 27, 2009,10 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of: Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600
Published on: Wed March 25, 2009