Lorenzo G. Carabajal

Lorenzo G. Carabajal, “Lencho”, age 72, passed away on August 6, 2018, following a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born at home and fittingly he also passed at home, surrounded in his final hours by the family he so dearly loved. Lorenzo was born to Elfigo and Louisa (Otero) Carabajal. He was the youngest of their nine children, with his birth somewhat a surprise. Growing up in a rural environment, his childhood included hard physical farm work and the bustling environment surrounding a large and remarkable family. Even as an adult, he maintained the strength to lift a bale of hay. Lorenzo loved children and was often called to babysit large groups of nieces and nephews, a role that he cherished. Even now, humorous stories of the children’s escapades while in Uncle Lencho’s care are shared during family events leaving no doubt as to why he was a favored uncle. Beginning at an early age, Lorenzo touched the lives of many. Lorenzo was a proud US Army veteran, serving his country in the delta region of South Vietnam. During the conflict he earned commendations from his commanding officer for outstanding ability and technical proficiency as they supplied 290 units with mission essential equipment, despite limited resources. Following his military service, Lorenzo returned to Peralta, completing a New Mexico State Apprenticeship book binding program and going on to form a business partnership in a premier Albuquerque book bindery. His success in business can be directly attributed to his work ethic, his uncanny knack to problem solve and an ongoing quest for excellence. Lorenzo’s attention to detail was legendary among local area printers who frequently sought his advice and expertise in laying out complex print jobs. His special interests included the New York Yankees, watching the “Cowboy Channel” and consistently outscoring his wife in Scrabble games. He loved sports in general, due to his natural abilities as well as his competitive nature. Some of his favorite times out were to watch his granddaughters compete in volleyball and basketball. Lorenzo loved music and remembered the lyrics and artists from an impressive number of songs from the 50’s and 60’s. He graduated from Los Lunas High School in 1963. The class motto for that year was “Finishing to Begin”. While we are saddened as he leaves us, for him this is but a new beginning. Vaya con Dios. Those who led the way and will welcome him home are his parents, Elfigo and Louisa Carabajal, his two brothers, Joe and Eloy Carabajal, and his precious daughters Regina and Elaine. Left to honor Lorenzo and remember his love is his loving wife of 27 years, Kayleigh Carabajal, his two daughters Rachael O’Neal and Edwina Carabajal-Bendinskas and her husband Paul Bendinskas, two grandchildren, Ashley and Alyssa, two step-children, Shanon Riley and LE Clifton Riley, five siblings; sisters Elizabeth (Lizzie) Olguin, Pelegrina (Pina) Torres, Louise and husband Benny Zamora, three brothers; Frank (Pancho) Carabajal, Elfigo (Figo) Carabajal, Phillip and wife Beatrice (Bea) Carabajal, numerous step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, and many, many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will take place on Friday, August 10, 2018, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, beginning with a Public Viewing at 9:30 AM, a Rosary to be recited at 10:00 AM, and a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place following at Valencia Cemetery. Pallbearers will be LE Clifton Riley, Kenneth Riley, David Olguin, Fred Carabajal, Milton Torres and Bryan Olguin. Please sign Lorenzo’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM.