Emerenciano Petrolino (Pete) Mascareñas passed away at his home on January 15, 2024. Pete was born on June 16, 1932 in Mora, New Mexico.

He was the eldest child of Evangelino Mascareñas and Barbarita Martinez Mascareñas. Pete was predeceased by his parents and his brother Trinie and sister Lucille.

He leaves behind his children Dennis (Maureen), Liz (Bill), Edna (Clark), Ron, Gloria (Ernie), Pat (Rich) and Laura. Also his brother Sam Mascareñas, his sister Theresa Aragon and his grandchildren Jacob (Julie), and Joshua (Ana). He was blessed with six great children. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, whom he helped along life's way.

Pete resided in Las Cruces, New Mexico from the early fifties until his death. As a child he told of stories while living in Rawlins working on the huge sheep ranches and the railroad. When he was a little boy his father convinced his supervisor to allow Pete to work so he could earn money. He would carry water to the workers so they could drink and cool off. But his most dangerous job as a child, was to place dynamite sticks into the blow holes of rock so they could build the railroad. When they returned to Mora, he graduated from high school and joined the Army. He served during the Korean War and is listed on the Memorial Wall in Las Cruces, New Mexico. While in the Army he acquired a skill as a Radio Communications specialist. After his stint in the Regular Army he transferred to the Army Reserves. He continued his career as a Radar Specialist at White Sands Missile Range where he retired. Throughout his tenure he provided radar support for numerous missions. But the most rewarding part of his life was learning to fly. His pride and joy were his three planes that he flew often. His biggest accomplishment as a pilot was a solo flight from California to the East Coast. He always said, he just wanted to see if he could do it. Many thanks to the earthly angels who supported the family as we cared for our father through his many stages of dementia. Special mention to Mary Telles (our family friend since childhood) and his nurse Marsha.

A rosary will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Mora, New Mexico. The mass will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. also at St. Gertrude Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Grala SOLT as celebrant, with the burial following the mass at the LeDoux Cemetery. Gentlemen with the honor of serving as Pallbearers are Paul Sandoval, Apolinario Gonzales, Jr., Amilio Trujillo, Jericho Mascareñas, Shane Mascareñas, and John Aragon.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511 .