Raoul "Sonny" Salcido

Raoul "Sonny" Grado Salcido, 76, of Las Cruces passed away peacefully on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Three Crosses Hospital in Las Cruces.

Born on December, 14, 1948, in Silver City to Raoul and Margaret Salcido. The oldest of three sons, Raoul was known for taking care of his two younger brothers when they caused mischief or got into schoolyard scuffles as they grew up in Deming. In high school, Raoul excelled in school and was a member of the track team. 

Raoul attended New Mexico State University, where he made lifelong friends and received Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education. After graduation, Raoul joined the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged and returned to New Mexico to start his career as an educator with the Las Cruces Public School District. Raoul taught science (at Court Junior High then Picacho Middle School) for 36 years before retiring. 

Raoul met his future wife, Virginia at a dance where he literally “swept her off her feet.” Theirs was a beautiful and devoted love that endured for 51 years of marriage. In his free time, Raoul enjoyed going camping and fishing with his family, watching The History Channel, doing yard-work, chatting with neighbors and attending many sports and school events when his two daughters were young. 

Raoul joined the Knights of Columbus and was an active member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish as part of “Los Pasquales.” After grandchildren arrived, Raoul and Virginia logged many miles driving and flying back and forth to spend time with their grandchildren, often arriving with a luggage or truck filled with gifts for them.

Raoul is survived by his wife, Virginia Salcido; daughter, Juliana Perceful (Shawn); daughter, Valerie Sessions (Aaron); brother Paul Salcido (Maria); 4 grandchildren, Nathan Perceful (12), Andie Perceful (10), Andrew Sessions (8) and Matthew Sessions (7) and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Raoul Salcido, his mother Margaret Lepien and his brother Richard Salcido. 

Raoul was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate to be in his life.

Visitation will take place on Friday, December 27, 2024 from eight-forty-five to ten o’clock in the morning at Getz Funeral Chapel in Las Cruces. The funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Las Cruces at ten-thirty in the morning (also on Friday). Father Alejandro Reyes Cardenas will be officiating the service.