Pierre Carrica

Funeral Mass for Pierre Jean Carrica, 80 of Grants, will be held on July 2, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. The Very Rev. Alberto Avella, The Very Rev. Lawrence Okeefe and Fr. Rick Zerwas will be the Celebrants. Burial will follow at Grants Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held on July 1, 2009, from noon to 5 p.m. at Compassion Mortuary.

A rosary will be celebrated on July 1, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the church.

Carrica was born on Nov. 15, 1928, in Albuquerque and passed away at his home on June 27, 2009.

He was a life-long resident of the area who served our country through military service. He was a second-generation rancher and member of various stockman organizations. He was highly involved in St. Teresa of Avila Parish through service as a lector and religious instructor. He served the youth of the Catholic Diocese of Gallup through dedication to the Search for Christian Maturity Program which he helped found 40 years ago.

His interest in youth and sports was shown through a lifetime of coaching and officiating. This effort will be recognized by his induction into the New Mexico Officials Association Hall of Fame on July 25, 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Frances Carrica of Grants; children: Denise Sanchez and husband Christopher of San Rafael, Joseph Carrica and wife Adrienne of Victoria, Minn., Patrick Carrica of Winnemucca, Nev., Barbara Campbell and husband Bill of Mundelein, Ill., Michael Carrica and wife Sandra of Roswell and Paul Carrica and wife Jeanette of Grants; brothers: Jean L. Carrica and wife Peggy of Omaha, Neb. and Jean B. Carrica and wife Lorie of Las Cruces; sisters: Sis. Annette Carrica of Cincinnati, Ohio and Marie Therese Zerwas and husband Dave of Rio Rancho; 21 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Jean and Marie Carrica who along with other Basques, emigrated from France.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to either the Diocese of Gallup Search Program PO Box 5243 Farmington, NM 87499, or St. Teresa of Avila School Foundation PO Box 472 Grants, NM 87020.

Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.