Roberto V. Galaz, a lifetime resident of San Lorenzo, died early Sunday morning in Silver City, where he was residing during his illness. He was born Nov. 4, 1916 in San Lorenzo and was a member of the San Lorenzo Catholic Church. Mr. Galaz was a retired rancher. He also retired in 1978 from Kennecott Copper Corp., where he was an electrician. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany, Normandy and Northern France. He was attached to A Company, 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion, and was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal and European African Middle-Eastern ribbon with three bronze stars. The vigil service will be held tonight at seven in Baca's Funeral Chapels with Deacon Alfonso Alvarado reciting the rosary. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the San Lorenzo Catholic Church with the Rev. Ramon Varela officiating. The rite of committal will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. Veterans honors will be accorded by local veterans groups. Survivors include his mother, Margarita V. Galaz of San Lorenzo; his wife, Juanita A. Galaz of Silver City; two daughters, Margie Salcido and her husband, Max of Tularosa and Florence Mae Yniguez and her husband, David of Silver City; a brother, Manuel "Chickie" Galaz and his wife, Lydia, of San Lorenzo; three sisters, Agueda Portillo of Tucson, Ariz., Elisa G. Roman of San Lorenzo and Emma Montoya and her husband, Ruben, also of San Lorenzo; and four grandchildren, Frederick Salcido and his wife, Teresa, Kevin Salcido and Korinne Yniguez, all of Las Cruces, and Valerie Yniguez of Silver City. He was preceded in death by a brother, Alejandro Galaz; a sister, Corine Salaiz; and his father, Manuel Galaz. Casket bearers will be Alex Galaz,Steve Salaiz, Kevin Salcido, Kenneth Palmer, Bobby Portillo and Ronnie Montoya. Honorary bearers are all his nephews and nieces. Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.

Military Information: T4, US ARMY