Jose "Cris" Baca

On Sunday, November 30th 2025, Jose Cristoval “Cris” Baca, 80, gained his wings and danced his way into the arms of his heavenly Father. He will always be remembered for his devotion to God and family and proudly held the title of honey, dad, Tatie, brother, uncle, friend, and Raider fan. Behind his signature moustache you would always find a beautiful smile, receive a life lesson through one of his “Dad” jokes, or hear him humming his favorite song as he reminded us daily that faith in God, humor, and a good dancing tune can outlast any of life’s challenges. He was born on September 24, 1945, in a small adobe home in Adelino, New Mexico to Antonio and Margaret Baca, where his love of God and family were rooted. He was the oldest of five mischievous Baca boys, Louie (wife Patty), Ben (wife Glenda), Ray (wife Agnes), and Anthony (wife Delfine). Raised on a strong farm boy work ethic and Catholic values, Cris was a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tome and for over 40 years proudly strummed his guitar with the choir at the 10 o’clock mass. Throughout his life, Cris, cherished his family above all else. He met the love of his life and “honey”, Susan, at Belen High School (Class of 1964) and were married on June 13, 1964. He would say that he brought his little city girl to the country and it was in Adelino where for 61 years they built an extraordinary life with their children: his hito and car expert, Christopher and wife Jaime, his hita and favorite hairdresser, Cynthia Benavidez and husband Pete, his best bud and sidekick, Craig, and his favorite baby, Claudette Riley and husband Tim (Timmy). His legacy will live on through his greatest pride and joy, his grandchildren, who he cherished with his whole heart and would enjoy attending any academic, sporting, or life event. His “boys”, Nathan (wife Mary), Ryan (wife Maggi), Justin, Brandon (wife Araceli), and David and his “baby girls”, Samantha (husband Damian), Madison, and Adriana and his great-grandchildren, Ember, Scarlett, Noelle, Zoey, Dalia, Noah, and Cody. Retired from General Electric in 2006 as a plumber/pipefitter after 21 years and following a 16-year career with Lindy Gas Services, his work ethic was unparalleled and throughout his career, Cris, made a positive impact on the lives of many and made several friends along the way. For 15 years, he was a volunteer firefighter for the Tome-Adelino Fire Department. He was a former member of the Classic Chevy Club, where, through many car shows, he would show of his late brother Louie’s creation and his tangerine baby, his 1956 Chevy Nomad. He loved a good find at a flea market or thrift store, especially if it was an old car part that could be added to his collection of goodies for his Shop. To say he was a Raiders fan, would be an understatement, he loved watching football alongside his honey, especially when his Raiders were beating her Broncos. Anyone brave enough to challenge him at dominoes learned quickly that his “beginner’s luck” never ran out—he was the champ and loved every second of proving it. He had a strong love of music and dancing, and you would catch him strumming his guitar along with his Boys or pulling one of his Girls onto the dance floor for good ol’ fashioned two-step. Cris is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Margaret, his brothers, Louie, Ben, and Ray, his son-angel baby Casey, and great-granddaughter Naomi Benavidez. Pallbearers will be his “boys”, Nathan, Ryan, Justin, Brandon, and David and honorary pallbearers will be his “girls”, Samantha, Madison, and Adriana and best friend, Louie Salas. Services will take place on Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 starting with a Visitation at 10:30 a.m., a Rosary at 11:30 a.m. and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Please sign Cris’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.

Jose "Cris" Baca

September 24, 1945 - November 30, 2025