Jose Lauriano Pacheco

Jose Lauriano Pacheco (more affectionately called Larry) passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 89 lovingly surrounded by his family. A lifetime resident of Chamita, NM and the youngest of four children born to Adelaido and Perfecta Pacheco.

Larry attended primary school in San Juan Elementary until the 8th grade graduating as the class Valedictorian. He then attended Espanola High School and graduated in 1954. Following High School, he attended college at NMSU in Las Cruces for two years where he studied Civil Engineering. He was drafted into the armed services and was honorably discharged. Larry then pursued employment with the State of New Mexico Highway Department and had a lengthy career spanning more than 30 years as a Surveyor and Road Designer. He retired from the State of New Mexico in 1989.

In 1961, he met the love of his life, Elsie Montes while working on location for the state in Silver City, NM. They got married, had three children and eventually settled in Chamita, NM. Larry, a parciante of the Acequia de Chamita, enjoyed farming, tending the land, growing fruits and vegetables, harvesting, and making ristras and chicos. He always enjoyed giving family and friends his produce and advice on successful gardening. You could often find Larry somewhere on the property working the land on his tractor. Larry also had a very strong Catholic faith and was devoted to the Blessed Sacrament.

His greatest joy was family gatherings on special occasions. He especially enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren and the recent addition, Sophia (his first great grandchild) whom he affectionately called “Sopapilla.” Larry also had a soft spot for family pets and enjoyed when his grandchildren brought their own pets to visit.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents Adelaido and Perfecta Pacheco, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Luis and Dionicia Montes, his two brothers Adelaido “Lalo” Pacheco and Joe Pacheco, sister Lourdes Molina, along with numerous brothers-in-law, sisters in-law, nephews and nieces.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Elsie Montes Pacheco, his son Larry (Susan) of Chamita, Cathy Pacheco-Quintana (Bobby) of Chamita, and Denise Pacheco-Griego (Robert) of Guadalupita, NM. He is also survived by his six grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Crystal Medina (Sebastian) of Los Lunas, Francesca Pacheco of Albuquerque, Jessica Pacheco of Rio Chiquito, Roy Griego (Dominique Evans) of Guadalupita, Veronica Griego-Cobos (Jevon) of Las Vegas NM, Michael Pacheco of Chamita, and one great granddaughter, Sophia Griego of Guadalupita, NM; along with several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

He had two special friends who visited him frequently up until his final hours, Orlando Serna and Clyde Vigil.

A Rosary will take place at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh, NM, at 10:15 am on June 6th, 2025, followed by a Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will take place following services at the San Pedro Cemetery in Chamita, NM.

The family would like to thank Ambercare and all health professionals who were involved in Larry’s care. In particular Eloida Martinez, Tommy Aragon, Virginia Sanchez, and Dr. James Ziomek and his staff for their compassionate care. Furthermore, the family gives thanks to Father Terry Brennan and Father Nathan Lopez who visited and provided spiritual comfort. Finally thanks is given to all family and friends for their phone calls, visitation, and loving compassion.

Serving as Pallbearers are Bobby Quintana, Robert Griego, Roy Griego, Michael Pacheco, Sebastian Medina, and Jevon Cobos. Honorary Pallbearers are Crystal Medina, Francesca Pacheco, Jessica Pacheco, Veronica Griego-Cobos, and Sophia Griego.

The family of Jose Lauriano Pacheco has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477