Joe Vincente Aldaz Sr., a retired New Mexico educator and coach left us to be with our Heavenly Father on July 29th, 2016 in Carlsbad, New Mexico. He was 78. He educated the children of New Mexico for 37 years and his legacy of teaching and coaching lives on through generations of his students.
He was born on April 5th, 1938 in Fort Stanton, New Mexico (NM) to Epifanio “Barney” Aldaz and Guadalupe Zamora and grew up on Rancho de Torres in Lincoln County, NM, the youngest of 10 children. Joe was a graduate of Capitan High School and received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in education from New Mexico Highlands University. He began his teaching and coaching career in 1961 at Vaughn High School in Vaughn, NM and completed his career in 1998 at Raton High School in Raton, NM.
Joe is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara “Bobbi” Segotta Aldaz, two sons, Joe “Joey’” Aldaz and his wife Tami of Colorado Springs, Gary Aldaz and his wife Tricia of Carlsbad, NM and five grandchildren, Alyssa Aldaz of Los Angeles, CA, Sara Aldaz of Austin, Texas (TX), Steven Aldaz of Dallas, TX, Lynzee Aldaz of Carlsbad, NM and Garret Aldaz of Carlsbad, NM. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty and David Huddleston of Albuquerque and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe’s courage, strength, humility and generosity are a legacy that will live on through his sons and grandchildren.
May he rest in peace as our Lord and Savior welcome’s him with open arms into the Kingdom of Heaven. He is now in heaven with his brother Patrocinio and father Barney sitting around the kitchen table with the sweet smell of burning cedar from the old iron stove playing the accordion while his father and brother as they strum their guitars.
In lieu of flowers, Joe’s wishes were to establish the Joe V. Aldaz Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund at Raton High School. Memorial Scholarship Fund contributions can be made to the Joe V. Aldaz Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund and mailed to International Bank, PO Box 1028, Raton, NM 87740.
Mr. Aldaz was one of my favorite teachers. He was also a neighbor of my family’s when I was in school. He was a great person and I think of him often. Love and prayers to all those who lost this amazing man.
A great teacher and a better person. On of my favorite teacher at Vaughn High School. Rest in peace Mr. Aldaz.
Aldaz families,
Sincere condolences on the loss of Mr. Aldaz. He worked with my mother, the late Carmen Ara Anaya, at Vaughn Schools. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and the time to come. God Bless You. Rest in Peace Mr. Aldaz.
Angela Anaya Gutierrez family on behalf of the late Paco and Carmen Anaya family
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
Mr Aldaz was my teacher in Vaughn. I saw him a few years back at the doctors office I used to work. He will be truly missed. Rest in peace Mr aldaz no more suffering.
Our deepest sympathy to the Aldaz family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Aldaz was a great teacher, great coach and most of all a generous and thoughtful person. I truly enjoyed having him as my teacher and my track coach and have many happy memories of his kindness. I always think of him when I run and him telling me to keep my arms moving to increase my speed and for so many other things that he would tell me to help me become a better student and athlete. I pray that our Lord sends all of you peace and comfort during your time of sorrow. May God continue to bless all of you. Sincerest Wishes, Annemarie Valdez-Gelb
Mr. Aldaz was one of the teachers who inspired me to become a teacher and coach. Not only did I have the privilege to be one of this students at RHS, I also had the opportunity to work beside him as a colleague for 16 years. The last time I saw Joe was in 1997 at the hospital in Albuquerque after he had a heart attack. Bobbi snuck me in to see him in ICU, as a family member. Joe told me, “Do what makes you happy in life because you never know what is going to happen.” Thanks, Mr. Aldaz for knowledge you shared, for the dry sense of humor that always made me laugh, for the life lessons and for being a great teacher and friend.
Tony Cornay
Phoenix
My God truly Bless yalls family. One of the best teachers I’ve ever had. Rest Peacefully Mr Aldaz.
Such a great teacher, fantastic coach and an even better person. The impact this teacher made on so many Raton student’s lives was immeasurable. RIP, my prayers are with the family.
My deepest codolences to the family he was such a great mentor, teacher God Bless.
Mr. Aldaz was such a blessing to all of us fortunate to be in his class. He and Mr. Paolino were just amazing! My deepest sympathy to his dear family and all that loved him!