Leandro "Leo" Lovato

September 16, 1937 - April 27, 2022

The world has lost a good man. Leandro “Leo” Lovato, age 84, a resident of Las Nutrias, NM, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. He was born on September 16, 1937, in La Joya, to Donato and Ferminia (Nene) Lovato. Leo married Angie Baca on September 13, 1958 and enjoyed over 63 years of loving marriage. From the beginning, their family centered around God and his teachings. The couple raised three children, Karen, Anthony, and JoAnn. He was an extremely proud grandfather who invested his time and poured his heart into always being there for them. Leo enlisted in the New Mexico Air National Guard in 1954. He travelled the world with the Guard and served a tour of duty in the Vietnam War. Leo received numerous awards and medals during his 38 years of service and retired as Chief Master Sergeant. Throughout his life, he was always involved in his community and civic activities and was a well-respected friend and neighbor. Leo served as President of the West Mesa Little League, President of the WMHS Booster Club, founding member of the Viva La Joya Day festivities, and was bestowed the St. Francis of Assisi Award by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. After retirement, he and Angie returned home to Las Nutrias and continued serving the community. They were instrumental in getting the annual La Joya church fiestas resurrected and successful and were the drivers behind the refurbishment of their mission church, San Isidro, where they served for several years as the Mayordomos and caretakers of the cemetery. Leo was also elected to the Socorro County Commission and was an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He is survived by his wife, Angie; children, Karen Lujan (Bernie), Anthony Lovato (Vanessa Velarde), and JoAnn Archuleta (James Kloeppel); grandchildren, Monica Adkins (Phillip), Martin Lujan, Matthew Archuleta, Leandro Lovato, Alisha Lujan, Deanna Lovato, and Tomas Lujan; great-grandchildren, Raelee, Auburn, Dawsyn, and Axel; sister, Rosie Chavez (Gilbert); sisters-in-law, Mary Roebuck, Elsie Smith, Elaine Baca, and Fina Baca; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Liz Padilla, Aricelli Acosta, Ruby Acosta, and the staff at the VA hospital for the loving care and treatment provided to Leo. We will miss the twinkle in his eyes, infectious little laugh, and big generous heart. We were blessed to call him husband, dad, gramps, Nano, and friend. We would love to hear your favorite “Leo stories and memories”; please share with us at [email protected] A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at San Isidro Catholic Church in Las Nutrias, NM, followed by a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A final visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 11, at 9:00 a.m. followed by a funeral mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, with honorary pallbearers, Leo Cordova and Paul Griego. Please sign Leo’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.