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Leroy A. Baca, age 61, died unexpectedly on Monday evening following a valiant fight with cancer, with his family by his side. Leroy was loved by many and all of those whose life he touched will never forget him. He was born on September 12, 1942 and was raised in Roy and the family ranch in Sabinoso, NM. Leroy was blessed by God with a large and loving family, charisma, many natural talents, and a smile and laugh that even now can be felt reverberating from heaven. He always said he was the most blessed the day he met his wife and soulmate, Gerri. Through the depth and the strength of their love they created three children whom he loved and cherished. He was more than a father and more than a friend, he was our source of strength and guidance. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Sacramento and Annie Baca; father and mother-in-law, Warren and Betty Bachert; brothers-in-law, Lazaro Martinez, August Lindberger and Jimmy Gallegos; and sister-in-law, Ethel DeMerritt. Leroy is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Gerri; his devoted and loving children, Leroy Jr., Jeana and Annette; and his children in spirit, Nestor, Angela, and Angie. He is also survived by his siblings, Charlie Baca and wife, Margaret; Secundo Baca and wife, Annie; Eloisa Esquibel and husband, Alberto; Helen Baca; Irene Lindberger; Robert Baca and wife, Billie; Emma Gonzales and husband, Leo; Bertha Martinez; Mike Baca and wife, Rosemarie, Gilbert Baca and wife, Caroline; Sacramento (Junior) Baca and wife Bertha Rose, Esther Self and husband, Marvin; and John Baca and wife, Pam; in-laws, Betty Espinoza ; Judy Gallegos; Jimmy Bachert; and Marianne and Maribeth Bachert. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers will miss Leroy. A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 16, at 10:00 a.m. also at Santa Maria de la Paz. Encryptment will follow at Rosario Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community Church. A gathering and loved ones will follow at the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The family wishes to thank Dr. Anna Voltura, Dr. Raphael Shapiro and their staff and the nurses at St. Vincent Hospital for their compassionate care of our husband and father. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, 1399 Luisa Street, 984-8600
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