Michael Pacheco

MICHAEL MARGARITO PACHECO

1935 -JANUARY 12, 2024

Mike Pacheco was born in 1935, in Penasco (Rio Lucio), NM to Frank and Beatrice Pacheco.  Mike went to be with his loving savior Jesus Christ on January 12, 2024.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Floyd.  He grew up in Penasco and upon graduation from Penasco High School he joined the United States Army where he honorably served his country. He completed his military service and returned to Penasco where he met the love of his life Ernestine Gurule.  They got married in October 1962 and moved to Los Angeles, CA where he worked with the Boeing Corporation.  While in Los Angeles they had two incredible children Jerry and Lori. 

They moved back to Penasco in 1969.  He served as a firefighter with the US Forest Service and traveled throughout the southwest fighting fires. He also worked many years in the construction industry in Colorado. 

Mike loved his town in the mountains he enjoyed gardening, going for wood and raising pigs and sheep.  But most of all he loved spending time with his family and could usually be found at the Downs of Santa Fe on the weekends.

Mike was dedicated to his faith and attended church every Sunday at St. Anthony’s Church where he was a valued parishioner. 

Mike is survived by his wife of 61 years Ernestine, Son Jerry and partner Michelle.  Daughter Lori Johnson and Husband Ken. Brothers Joe and Luis (Hazel).  Sisters Ruth, Ercilia (Juan), Rosa (Rogelio).  Grandchildren Sam, Thomas Pacheco, Gabrielle Martinez and Derek Johnson. Mike had many nephews and nieces that he loved. 

The Rosary will be recited Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a mass of Catholic Burial at St Anthony’s Church in Penasco, NM. Following the services Mike will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. located at 501 N. Guadalupe St. in Santa Fe, NM.

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com