Fred Bachicha

Fred Bachicha, 91 passed away peacefully on May 2, 2020 of natural causes. Fred was born in Encino NM on April 12, 1929 to Veneranda Montano and Reymundo Bachicha. The family moved to Barelas where he attended Coronado Elementary. After that his family moved to Los Angeles for three years where he attended Junior High. He returned to Albuquerque when he was in 10th grade and graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1947.

In 1951, he served in the army as a medical technician in Germany for 2 years. He returned in January 1953 and married his sweetheart Cecilia Zamora two weeks after on Valentine’s Day at Sacred Heart Church in Barelas. Their loving and wonderful marriage lasted 67 years.

Fred worked at the post office in the evening while attending the University of New Mexico during the day. He received his Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Education from UNM. He remained a proud Lobo the rest of his life and was a 40-year season ticket holder for Men’s basketball.

With three small children, he made a career change after graduating and started teaching physical education at Lavaland Elementary where he was a pillar in the community. His career lasted 29 years, he retired from APS at the age of 61. After this, he worked part-time for the U.S. Census Department for 6 years where he utilized his bilingual skills.

A devoted Catholic, he was actively involved with the Knights of Columbus, achieving 3rd degree status. Fred and Cecilia were blessed to have a lifetime of many friends through this fraternity.

Fred was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  He is survived by his wife of 67 years Cecilia, his three sons, Michael and wife Paula Miller, Marty, Eddie and his wife Gerri. And by his nine grandchildren, Dan and wife Suzie, Sierra Morrell and husband Cory, Aaron, Annette, Jon Franco and wife Rhonda, Marcus, Kaleo, Joseph Moquino and Kathryn Dupree. Great-grandchildren are Kailani Franco, Bryan Bachicha, and Cedar James Morrell. He is also survived by his sister Helen Claire. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray and Tom Bachicha and his sisters Sally Chavez and Liz Holiday.

He enjoyed his retirement to the fullest: traveling, fishing, bowling, golfing, and going to the North Valley Senior Center to play poker with his friends.

Fred's Life Celebration will begin with a Vistation on Thursday, May 21, 2020.from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at Reflections Funerals & life Celebrations located at 2400 Washington St NE, 87110. The Rosary will be recited on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 7:00 PM at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church located at 5311 Pheonix Ave NE, 87110. Mass will take place on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 10:00 am at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o Queen of Heaven parish, 5311 Phoenix Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM  87110.