Gabriel G. Paz

Gabriel G. Paz, 92, lifelong resident of Las Cruces, died Thursday, March 15, 2012. Gabe as he was fondly known was born April 17, 1919 in Las Cruces to Gabriel and Francisca (Calderon) Paz. He was a veteran of the US Army Air Corp where he served our country honorably during WWII. While in the service he was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with one bronze and one silver battle stars, the Good Conduct Medal and Distinguished Unit Badge. After the war Gabe returned to Las Cruces and was a partner in the Bronson Printing Company where he worked for 20 some years then he worked for various civilian contractors at White Sands Missile Range finally retiring from PSL at the age of 75. Gabe was a lifelong member of St. Genevieve's Catholic Church, a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a founding member of the Open Door Center (now Tresco), a member of Los Pastores del Valle de Mesilla and member of the Secular Franciscan Order of which he had served as president but his real passion was for his family. Mr. Paz will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Lorraine Paz; sons Marvin Paz and wife Debbie, Leo Paz and wife Judy, Randy and wife Lorraine, Miguel Paz and wife Cindy, Stephen and Franciscan Brother David Paz; daughters Marilyn (Marnie) Solomon and husband Otis, Susan (Sue) Edwards and husband Larry and Gloria Paz and by 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Gabe is also survived by one brother George and wife Angela. Gabe was preceded in death by his brothers Edward, Benjamin, Raymond, and Gabriel who died as a child; his sisters Carmen and Fannie. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Getz Funeral Home where rosary will follow at 7PM. Gabe's funeral mass of the Resurrection will be at 10 AM on Friday, March 23, 2012 at St. Genevieve's Catholic Church. Rite of Committal is at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery with military honors. The honor of being a pallbearer will go to Gabe's grandsons. The family asks in lieu of flowers donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice. PDF Printable Version