Paul Valdez

Paul (Justin) Valdez, 86, of Mora, New Mexico, went home to our Heavenly Father on April 20th, 2018 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was born to Corinne Cabeza de Baca of Mora and Alfonso Valdez of Santa Fe.  He had two brothers, James and Herman. Justin moved to San Diego, California at 10 years old.  He returned to Mora, living with his aunt Martina and uncle Steve Sanchez until the 10th grade. He returned to San Diego and graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1950.

He was married to Bertha Maesse Valdez, who passed, had four children whom he leaves behind: Paul Justin Valdez Jr., Corina Hill, Anna Jameson, and Patricia Valdez, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.

Paul worked at Solar Turbines as a laboratory technician while obtaining an AA degree in Science, BS of Technology, and MBA in Business Administration. He was promoted to Assistant Metallurgist, Metallurgist, Research Engineer, Staff Metallurgist, and finally, to Chief Metallurgical Engineer.

Paul was an active member of the San Diego Chapter of the American Society for Metals, heading the chapter as President.

Paul retired from Solar Turbines after 30 years of service and undertook the running of the Cross 7 Ranch after the passing of his uncle, Steve Sanchez.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 19th at Saint Gertrude Parish in Mora, New Mexico.  The rosary will be at 9am, the funeral mass at 10am, and the burial immediately following on private property.  A family and friends gathering will be held at Saint Gertrude Parish Hall following the burial.