Leo Santistevan

Leo Santistevan, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, died on April 14, 2013 surrounded by his family and friends. Coming of age in the late 1950s, he loved fast cars, Coca-Cola, and Elvis Presley. He also loved and was loved by his family and countless friends. He was a former employee of the City of Albuquerque, and a member of the New Mexico National Guard. And as an entrepreneur, he grew Dream Limousine into the largest libery service in New Mexico. He was also a successful restaurateur who was known by family and friends to have the knack to make everything he touched turn to gold. He subsequently retired to Taos, New Mexico, but instead of slowing down, he opened a catering and limousine business. He had an irrepressible smile and an unquenchable zest for life. He had friends everywhere he went, whether he knew them for years or made them on the spot. He was preceded in death by first wife Cora Archunde; parents Armando Santistevan and Petrita Romero Santistevan; brother Michael; and sister Fabiola Santistevan Lucero. He is survived by wife Lorena; children Annette, Gregory, and Kyle. He is also survived by brothers, Ernest, Don, and Gil, as well as sisters, Marcia and Margaret, and three grandchildren and one great grand-child. He will be greatly missed. A rosary was recited on April 18, 2013 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, located at 12500 Carmel Avenue NE. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, April 19, 2013 at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, located at 5311 Phoenix NE. Internment will be conducted at a private ceremony. A celebration of Leo's life will be held in Taos at a later date to be announced.