Steve John Floyd Polaco born October 3, 1951, in Espanola, NM, to Elfigo and Adele Polaco.

He was born into the Los Brazos Polaco/Gallegos family of his father, and the Ensenada Velasquez family of his mother. He is proceeded in death by parents Adele & Elfigo Polaco, brother Serafin Joe Polaco, 4 grandchildren, Iyla, Inez, Izzy and Isaiah. His death was sudden and unexpected but his faith in the Lord was deep. He looked forward to being reunited with his loved ones in heaven.

Steve was a devoted husband to Lisa and father to Matt, Marcos and Maria Tessa. Siblings Vince (DeiAnna), Yvonne (Troy) nephews-Christopher, Nick, Daniel and Diego. His greatest joy was his family. In the last couple of years, he was joined on the ranch by his nephew Christopher (Holly) and family. Steve was especially close to his great nephews, Jacob and Eli Polaco.

Steve was devoted to the ranch and worked with a community of parciantes on the Porvenir Ditch with a shared goal of ensuring the age-old stewardship of the acequia system worked for everyone to have irrigation water. He cared deeply and actively advocated protection of land and water as it relates to the agricultural heritage and culture of New Mexcio. He followed his grandfather Enetro Velasquez’s passion and devotion as an heir to La Merced de los Pueblos de Tierra Amarilla, more commonly known as the TA Land Grant. He worked closely with his fellow land grant “vecinos” to ensure present and future heirs would have a voice at the local and state political arenas regarding traditional grazing rights and access to harvest traditional herbs, and fuel wood for heating homes. Steve was also passionate about mentoring youth to continue local traditions and encouraged them to grow toward active leadership and participation regarding the future of land, water and the Spanish Language as a way keep our culture alive. He served on the New Mexico Land Grant Council.

Funeral Services: Friday, May 15, 2026, Rosary 10:00 AM San Jose Catholic Church in Los Ojos, NM, 11:00 Funeral Mass, 1:00 Lunch at Declan Hall, private burial on Saturday, May 16, 2026

Honorary Pallbearers: Vince Polaco, Andrew Gonzales, Alberto Martinez, Bernie Madrid, Donaldo Lopez, and Albert Spisak

In lieu of flowers, the Polaco family is asking for donations in his name to San Jose Catholic Church in Los Ojos, NM, La Merced de los Pueblos de Tierra Amarilla, or La Clinica del Pueblo-Ambulance Service.

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