David C. Castaneda

David C. Castaneda, Age 68 passed away surrounded by his loving family at his home in La Puebla on Thursday evening May 19, 2016. David was born on January 16, 1948 in Belen, NM to Carlos and Luz Castaneda. David served his country in the United States Army entering in on July 20, 1967 and fought in the Vietnam War. His several decorations included the Purple Heart. David was honorably discharged from service on July 18, 1969. On April 25, 1970 he was joined in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Marie Quintana. David began working for the State of New Mexico as a Budget Analyst and then for the next 26 years in the Security Division of the Los Alamos Laboratories, Los Alamos, NM and finally returning back as a Budget Analyst with the State where he finally retired. He was a member of the Santa Cruz Catholic Church and Knight of Columbus, 4th Degree, Council 3314 of Espanola. He was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 372, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and of the Espanola Veterans Memorial Wall Commission. David was preceded in death by his parents, Carlos and Luz Castaneda of Belen, NM, his sister Molly Marquez and her husband, Trinnie of Phoenix, AZ; a brother, Carlos Castaneda and his wife, Emma of Belen, NM; a sister, Florentina Sandoval of Albuquerque, NM; and another sister, Rose Chavez of Los Lunas, NM; and his brother, Dennis Castaneda of Santa Fe, NM. David is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marie Castaneda of La Puebla, NM; a son, David Castaneda and his wife, Cristina of Portland, OR; two daughters, Nicole Castaneda of Espanola and Janis Castaneda of Dallas, TX. Seven grandchildren: Sally, Luz, Mack, Phoebe, Natalie, Sydney and Jacob. Two brothers, Robert Castaneda and wife Roberta of Nambe, NM and brother, Gerald Castaneda and his wife Annie of El Rancho, NM. And a loving sister who was like a mother to David, Jennie Ortiz of Cuyamungue, NM. Sisters in law, Judy Martinez of La Puebla, NM; Tillie Perez and husband, Art of La Puebla, NM; and Margie Lucero of Las Vegas, NM; Clarissa Romero and husband John of Amarillo, TX; Grace Martinez and husband, Orlando of La Puebla, NM. Brothers in law, Felix Quintana and his wife, Martha of La Puebla, NM, Manuel Sandoval of Albuquerque, NM and Pete Chavez of Los Lunas, NM. Also a dear family friend, Maria Quintana of La Puebla, NM and many other family and friends. A Rosary will be prayed this coming Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 7PM at Santa Cruz Catholic Church, Santa Cruz NM. The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday morning at 8AM at Santa Cruz Catholic Church, followed by burial with Military Honors at 9:45AM at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Immediately after the burial, everyone is invited to a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 18494 US-84, Espanola, NM 87532. The family has suggested that gifts remembering David C. Castaneda be made directly to: the Del Corazon Hospice | 811 St. Michael’s Drive, Ste. 207 | Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505. http://www.delcorazonhospice.com/ Please feel free to share your stories and condolences by clicking the Guest Book above.