Francis Leroy Pacheco “Leroy” passed peacefully surrounded by his children and family on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Leroy was born on May 25,1948 in Mora, NM to Rosalia Vigil and Frank S. Pacheco. He was a beloved father, husband, brother, friend, and community leader. Leroy graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1966 and went on to receive a BBA in Finance from New Mexico State University and later attended graduate school at DePaul University in Chicago.

Leroy began his career in banking and finance straight after college and soon after his passion for community development led him to a lifetime of empowering people through small business and relationships. Leroy also spent numerous years working with the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Centers, the All Indian Pueblo Council, Rose’s Southwest Paper, and also served as President of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce in the nineties.

Leroy married Sonya K. Chavez in 1997, and soon after the pair moved to Chicago, IL where Leroy was immediately immersed in the small business community. He became a beloved member of the Hispanic Bankers Association, the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, and also taught entrepreneurship courses at Columbia College while attending graduate school at DePaul. Leroy’s passion for community grew as he began working at nonprofit organization Acción Chicago where he set out on a mission to improve the lives of underserved communities through small business and financial literacy. The city of Chicago held a special place in Leroy’s heart for a multitude of reasons, but most notably it is the birthplace of his two children, Rebekah and Estevan.

Leroy grew up working in the roofing business with his father, Frank, and later became a licensed real estate broker and held a general contractors license. Leroy was also heavily involved in his children’s extracurricular activities; leading the PTO at their schools, coaching sports teams, and spearheading fundraising efforts that have impacted their schools to this day.

In 2007, after moving home to New Mexico, Leroy began a new chapter as President and CEO of the New Mexico Community Development Loan Fund. He has spearheaded the creation of more than 12,000 jobs throughout New Mexico and has empowered generations by giving underserved and underrepresented communities a seat at the table and an opportunity to thrive.

In addition to his service at the Loan Fund, Leroy served on numerous boards and community organizations. He was a member of the American Indian Chamber, the Black Chamber of Commerce, the Mora Creative Council, and countless others.

Leroy dedicated his life to serving communities all across New Mexico and championing the ideas of small business owners to turn their dreams into reality. He was also committed to being a present, supportive, loving father and legendary storyteller. When he was not at the office, he was creating memories with his children. He leaves behind an impact that goes across state Iines. His presence was felt in the community and his absence will be felt that much more.

He is survived by his children, Rebekah (25) and Estevan (23) and their mother, Sonya, his four younger brothers: Robert, Joe, Mike, and Martin, and an abundance of nephews, nieces, beloved cousins and family members.

The funeral service will be Thursday, April 24, 2025 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church located at 9502 Fourth St NW. Services will begin with the Rosary at 8am, followed by the Eulogy at 8:30am, and Mass at 9am. Leroy will be buried in Cleveland, NM alongside his parents at a later date in a private family service.

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Francis Leroy Pacheco