Mauricio Baca

Mauricio Baca died peacefully in his sleep Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 surrounded by family. He was 83.

He was born on Feb. 29, 1932 in Raton, New Mexico. He fell in love and married his soulmate Paula (Carranco) on Dec. 8, 1951.

He made Watsonville his home for 65 years. He worked at Del Mar Foods and Smuckers as a fork lift driver for 44 years until he retired. His passion was fishing off the rocks of Moss Landing and loved his yearly Spring Lamb BBQ with his sons.

He is survived by his wife Paula of 63 years; sister, Antonia Trujillo of New Mexico; sons, Mauricio Baca Jr. (Susan) of Fernley, Nev., Alfonso Baca of Watsonville, Ricardo Baca (Concha) of Watsonville; daughters, Theresa Urban (Richard) of Los Banos and Patricia Baca (Keith) of Aromas; 14 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 5-9 p.m. at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, 609 Main St., Watsonville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.