Obituaries (July 17, 2025)

Jack Aragon

Died 2025

Jack Aragon, 74, of Los Lunas, went home to meet his Lord on June 15, 2025, surrounded by family.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, a teacher, coach, loving husband to his wife, Carol, of 44 years; father, grandfather, great-grandfather and pet parent.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe V. Aragon and Aurelia Aragon; grandparents, and loving uncles, aunts and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Franchelle, Fernando and Felicia; granddaughter, Thalia; great-grand daughter, Mercedes; his brother, Joseph (Nilda); nephews, Ryan, Justin and Joe; and nieces, Briana and Selina; uncle Pat; and many loving friends and relatives. He will be missed.

A visitation will be held at 9 a.m., Monday, July 21, at San

Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas, with a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. and a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. The reception will follow at S&J reception hall at 12:30 p.m. Burial, with military honors, will take place at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The pallbearer will be Frank Salcido.

The family extends its thanks to the medical and rehab staff in New Mexico who have cared for him over the years, the professionals at Simplicity, especially Scott, Iris and Chrissy, and to everyone who has expressed their condolences, thoughts and prayers.

Penelopi "Penny" "Popi" Baca (Kartali)

1940-2025

Penelopi “Penny” "Popi" Baca, 85, left this world on July 9, 2025, in Los Lunas, surrounded by her loving family.

Penny was born Penelopi Kartali on Feb. 26, 1940, in Thessaloniki, Greece. She worked in her father’s restaurant, where she met her husband, Adam Baca, who was in the Army, stationed in Greece. They married and moved to the United States in 1964, where they raised their three children, Louisa, Georgene and Steven.

Penny was known for her Greek accent and loving nature. Her unconditional love for her family and friends made her loved by many.

She would light up any room and warm every heart she encountered. She was funny, smart, empathetic, passionate and undoubtedly a force to reckon with. She touched so many lives with a positive attitude and support. She made others see their beauty inside. She was unforgettable!

She is preceded in death by her husband, Adam Baca; and sisters, Mariana Galanis and Zila Kartali.

She is survived by her three loving children, daughter, Louisa Baca and partner, Audrey Gramstad; daughter, Georgene Baca Kirtley and partner, Maggie Quintana; and son, Steven Baca and partner, Leonard Aragon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kathrin Kirtley, Chyanne Cater, Christopher Green, Evalina Selina, Cassandra Forbes, Kenneth “K Dawg” Kirtley, and Jackie Gabbert; great-granddaughters, Brooklyn Baca and Aria Reinke; and eight more great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, July 18, at Noblin Funeral Home in Belen. A visitation at 9 a.m. and service at 10 a.m.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

Tranquilino “Tante” Blea

1938-2025

Tranquilino “Tante” Blea, age 86, a resident of Peralta, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta. The family invites loved ones to visit romerofuneralhomenm.com for updates regarding services.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Isabel Blea; his beloved granddaughter, Michelle; and six siblings.

Tante is survived by his loving wife, Aurelia Blea; son, Gilbert Blea; daughters, Isabel Torres (Andy) and Betty Aragon (Antonio); nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren — all of whom will miss him dearly.

He was born on Sept. 22, 1938, in Albuquerque, and was a resident of Peralta for more than 70 years.

Tante retired from the Los Lunas Schools, where he was known for his dedication and strong work ethic. He was a gifted woodworker and a natural storyteller. Tante loved sharing memories and lessons from his life with those around him. His warmth, wisdom and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Charles Joseph Brandt

1938-2025

Charles Joseph Brandt, born in Higginsville, Mo., on Feb. 27, 1938, to Walter and Gladys Brandt, passed away peacefully at home with family on Feb. 10, 2025, in Albuquerque.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, U.S. Forest Service employee/supervisor from 1959-1993, a co-founder of Hawks Aloft, a Raptor conservation group, a dedicated environmentalist, a race walker and a devoted and loving family man and friend.

Charles is preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Brandt.

He is survived by daughter, Timothea (Guillermo) Elizalde; son, John Velarde-Brandt (Veronica Martinez); grandchildren, Selena Maria Brandt, Carmen Segoviana Brandt, Daniela Olivia Jon Brandt, Mateo Elizalde Jaramillo (Oraleigh J. Hammond) and Alejandra Merida Elizalde (Erica Harrison); and great-grandchild Roosevelt Jaramillo Hammond.

A celebration of life was held on April 12, 2025.

Paul Montoya

1970-2025

Paul Montoya, age 54, a resident of Belen, peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his loved ones on July 12, 2025.

Paul is preceded in death by his father, Larry Montoya Sr; brother, Melvin Maldonado; and his son, Pablo Montoya.

He is survived by his mother, Viola Olguin; stepfather, Ernie Lucero; wife, Melissa Vigil; daughters, Leeanae Montoya, Bernice Padilla and Evangelina (Tim) Cordova; grandchildren, Kaeshawn Haskew, Shelby Swinney, Amaya Montoya, Genesis Martinez, Aniah Martinez, Ezra Martinez, Eliana Cordova, Cameron Cordova and Ezekiel Cordova; siblings, Frances (Fermin) Otero, Loddy Montoya, Patricia (Daniel) Jaramillo and Paula (Chris) Jamieson. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Paul was a talented auto mechanic, and could fix just about anything that was broken. He enjoyed woodworking and canvas painting, visiting estate and yard sales.

Paul enjoyed helping others in anyway he could. He was strong in his Catholic faith, and was proud to share it with all. He was an avid Miami Dolphins fan, and wouldn’t hold back his cheers when they’d play!

He was a kind soul, who was always willing to help those in need. Above all, he was a family man, who loved nothing more than spending time with his family and grandchildren whom he loved and cherished so much.

Services for Paul will be held on Friday, July 25, at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley. A visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10 am. A reception to follow at the Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.