Gilbert F. Baca passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife Amanda, his son Joey, and his caretaker Victoria on August 15, 2026, at the age of 76. He was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He attended and graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1968 and was drafted into the Army in 1969. Gilbert proudly served his country in the United States Army including a tour in Vietnam, a war in which he never chose to fight, and a war he couldn’t forget. God bless our Gilbert, now he rests in peace.

Gilbert loved to dance and did so till the end! Music touched him deeply and those around him felt the magic it produced in him. He loved listening to classic country and northern New Mexico music. Gilbert loved to play basketball and enjoyed watching all kinds of sports. Gilbert was a heck of a chef. No one could eat what he cooked and not want more. The simple joys in life took him to a better place. Gilbert had a heart of gold. He would give you the shirt off his back and often did. We will miss his sense of humor and his mischievous personality.

Gilbert is survived by his beloved wife Amanda Maria Martinez, his beautiful daughters Pamela Wheeler (Kirk) and Stacie Lopez, his son Joey Chavez who served in the US Army following in his dad’s footsteps, his brothers Dennis, Tony, Ernest (Eileen), Larry, his sister Cecilia Osborne, his sister in-law Raffie Martinez (Eric), brothers-in-law Enos Martinez (Darlene), Elmer Martinez (Easther), as well as his loving nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, Gregorio Baca and Candelaria Baca, his sister Patricia Romero, his brother Sele Baca, his sisters-in-law Lucy Baca and Marjorie Baca and Amanda's parents, Jose and Edumenia Martinez.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Baca, Mike Baca, Joey Chavez, Edwin George, Vincent Martinez, and Ricardo Romero, Jr.

A special thank you to his caretakers, Victoria Barela, Sue, Claire, and Josie, for their devoted care and to the Staff at Roadrunner Hospice.

Services

Memorial services will be held at Trujillo Funeral Home

110 Alvarado Drive SE

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108

August 26, 2026

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

BURIAL will follow:

Santa Fe National Cemetery

2:00 PM, with Military Honors

Arrangements entrusted to the caring professionals at

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

"Our Family Serving Yours"