Leo Quintana

Leo G. Quintana passed away peacefully at home at the age of 92 on October 5, 2025, in Los Luceros, NM. He was born in July 1933, to Merced and Petrita Quintana. Leo was raised in Santa Cruz, NM, attending Santa Cruz High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Mathematics from Highlands University.

Leo proudly served in the Army during the Korean War, a testament to his dedication and service to his country. After his military service, he found his true calling in education. Leo dedicated over 37 years to teaching mathematics at Espanola Valley High School, where he also led the math department for many years. His passion for teaching shaped the lives of countless students, leaving a legacy of education and inspiration.

Leo was a devout member of St. John the Baptist Parish in Ohkay Owingeh, and he served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Anne’s an affiliate church in Alcalde. He was also actively involved in the Knights of Columbus, serving a term as the Grand Knight. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him in service and community.

When he wasn’t shaping young minds, Leo could be found outdoors tending to his orchard and livestock with the same precision he brought to his lesson plans. His children learned the ABCs of agriculture, and their home was a veritable feast of fresh produce and livestock lore. Leo was also a passionate sports fan, particularly of the Espanola Sundevils. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends.

Leo was the sum of many wonderful parts: Christian, educator, soldier, farmer, and a sports fanatic with an infectious zest for life.

Leo is survived by his daughter, Sandra Silva (Richard), and son, Leonard Quintana (Beverly); grandchildren, Ryan Silva (Stephanie), Kathryn Quintana Saxon (Travis), Dana Silva Behnfield (Walter), Santana, Christian, Jaylen, and Santiago Quintana, Anndria Quintana Gomzin (Igor), and Michayla Salazar; great-grandchildren, Jay Silva, Noah Martinez, and Azariah Roughsurface, as well as his sisters, Sally Maestas, Viola Maestas, Consuelo Apodaca, Carmen Garcia, and Roberta Manzanares (Patrick); and sisters-in-law, Charlotte, Alice, and Marcella and Isabel Martinez. Leo's life was enriched in his later years by the companionship of his special friend, Evelyn Bustos. He is also survived by his long-term care giver, Gloria Abeyta.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Loyola Quintana, children James and Mercedes Quintana; parents, Merced and Petrita Quintana, siblings Angie Torres, Priscilla Quintana and Jose Quintana; mother and father-in-law, Max and Mercedes Martinez; brothers-in-law, Roy and Andres Maestas, Alberto Torres, Sam Gallegos, Joe Apodaca, Efren, Ben, Cipriano, Max, Bob and Peter Martinez; sisters-in-law, Nora Gallegos, Angie and Evangeline Martinez; nieces, Pamela Maestas and Rachel George; and nephews, Tim, Mark, Cippy and Maxie Martinez and Ernie and Ernest Maestas.

A rosary will be recited at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh on October 28, 2025, at 10:30 am, followed by a Mass and a reception at the Parish Hall. A private burial of cremains will take place at a later date at the La Villita Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. Quintana's name to the National Kidney Foundation, honoring his compassionate spirit and commitment to helping others. Leo G. Quintana will be remembered as a beloved educator, a dedicated servant of his faith, and a loving family man who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him.

The family of Leo Quintana has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home. www.devargasfh.com