Elias Escalera

On December 18, 2017, Elias Escalera Sr. passed away after a brief illness at the age of 67 years in Albuquerque, NM. Elias was born in Santa Fe, Coahuila, Mexico on July 20, 1950. As a child, he grew up in Las Cruces, NM where he attended Washington Elementary and Alameda Jr. High Schools and had his formative years. He was a member of the Labor's Local Union 16 for over 22 years and most recently, worked as a Plumber in Albuquerque, NM. He is preceded in death by his late father, Manuel Escalera Sr. and mother, Tiburcia Escalera of Las Cruces, NM and son, Anivel Escalera of Indio, CA. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Francis Guerra Escalera and children; Benny Escalera, Yvonne Escalera and husband, David Herrera and Fabian Escalera of Albuquerque, NM. He is also survived by his children from his first marriage, Elias Escalera Jr. Michael Escalera, Joel Escalera and Oscar Escalera of Indio, CA and Sandra Martinez of Anthony, NM. In addition, he is survived by his siblings and their spouses; Modesto Sr. and Guillermina Escalera of Tucson, AZ, Mary and Joel Perez and Ophelia and George Hernandez of Indio, CA, Guadalupe Escalera, Manuel Jr. and Patricia Escalera, Michael Escalera, Leticia and Richard Sarracino and Susan Escalera, all from Las Cruces, NM. He is also survived by Margaret Malone and Robert Escalera of Palm Springs, CA and Enedina and Guillermo Aguirre of Temecula, CA. He leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and close friends. Elias was loved by many and he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, telling jokes and playing his guitar. While he will be greatly missed, we know that he is now before the Lord and his loved ones, waiting for the day when we will all be re-united in God's presence. A public viewing will be held on December 28, 2017, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Getz Funeral Home, 140 E. Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575-526-2419). A rosary will follow at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Elias on December 29, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Basilica of San Albino Roman Catholic Church, 2070 Calle de Santiago, Mesilla, NM 88046. Interment will immediately follow at Masonic Cemetery.