It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, dear friend and companion Jerardo Martin Figueroa, age 44, a lifelong resident of Las Cruces on August 1, 2024.  "Chacho", as he was fondly known to family and friends was born June 04, 1980 to Cecilia McAuliffe Figueroa and Jose Martin Figueroa.

Chacho will forever be remembered and missed with his most contagious smile and laugh, that you couldn't help but to smile when he did.  He was a hardworking man demonstrating a solid skill set and talent with everything that he did from making jewelry, trinkets, to building houses.  Chacho was always working on a project or helping someone with a remodel.  He was definitely a jack of all trades.  Chacho enjoyed exploring the outdoors with hikes, exploring caves and spending his time by the river fishing with his kids.  Chacho was young at heart and would be one to participate in snowball fights or foot races with the kids, playing hide and seek at the wooden park.

Chacho was a kind forgiving soul and would do anything to help anyone. It didn't matter who it was as he often stated he enjoyed spending time with the homeless population as he validated them as human beings by acknowledging their existence.

Chacho leaves behind his loving mother Cecilia Figueroa and step-father Philip George, his father Jose Martin Figueroa.  Paternal grandmother Eduvijes Gallegos fondly called "gg bacon" and aunt Tia Lina.  He is survived by his seven children Alfonzo Cruz, Geronimo Ramon, Valeria Ann, Jason Ryan, Athena Marie, Joesph Martin and Teresa Dolores and his sister Sonida Figueroa Ruiz.  He is also survived by his best friend and soulmate Katrina M. Garcia and daughter Kayda Lux M. Garcia whom he fondly called Violet.  Kat said "here or where ever… he'll still have to hear my ramblings about whatever randomly pops in my head".  Chacho is also survived by 3 grandchildren Mateo, Jennifer and Leonides.  His aunts and uncles whom will miss him dearly, Tio Mark McAuliffe, Tia Cookie-Susan McAuliffe Rodriguez (Garry Garcia), Tia Katherine Perez and Tia Alice Ann Zamora (Damian).  Tio Gilbert Figueroa and Tia Becca as well as the many cousins and friends.  His constant companion of love and acceptance Chuy his pet chihuahua.

Chacho was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Nellie McAuliffe and cousin Anthony Miguel Rodriguez.

Rest easy Mijo, your travels completed.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com