Patrick E. “Patricio” Baca, a devoted husband, father, grandfather from Glen Cove, NY passed away peacefully on the morning of December 15, 2025, at the age of 86.
Born in Quito, Ecuador, on July 14, 1939, to Manuel Baca Lasso and Dolores Baca Baca, Patrick’s life was marked by a deep sense of duty and a hunger for knowledge. He served with distinction in the Ecuadorian Army for 15 years, where he was a member of the elite Presidential Guard, a Paratrooper, and a Ranger. His exceptional service led to his selection for specialized training by the U.S. Green Berets in Panama—a milestone he carried with immense pride throughout his life.
Even after his military career concluded in 1967, his love for the armed forces remained; many family summer camping trips were spent traveling to military sites, sharing the history and stories of his service with his children.
In 1968, Patrick moved to Woodside, Queens, to build a new life alongside his relatives. Though he did not have a formal higher education, he was a self-taught scholar. He was an avid reader and exceptionally well-versed in world history and politics. He loved nothing more than a spirited debate at the dinner table, where his sharp mind and curiosity were always on display.
In December 1972, during a visit home to see his mother in Ecuador, Patrick met Maria. What began as a long-distance connection blossomed into a lifelong romance. Maria joined him in New York in 1978, and they were married in Glen Cove, where they would go on to raise their family.
Patrick was a man of tireless work ethic and quiet selflessness. For over 30 years, he worked at the De Seversky Mansion at the New York Institute of Technology, often working side-by-side with Maria to ensure their children had every opportunity possible. He placed a high value on education, ensuring Patricia and Christopher attended Catholic schools, college, and understood the importance of hard work.
His kindness extended far beyond his own home. Patrick was known to go out in the middle of the night to pick up coworkers who lacked transportation so they wouldn't have to walk in the cold. He was a constant presence in his children's lives, volunteering at St. Boniface and coaching their Glen Cove soccer teams. This continued into their adulthood, ensuring he was present at all the important events and having weekly family meals. He welcomed everyone into his home with a smile and a warm meal, always seeing the best in every person he met.
In his later years, Patrick’s greatest joy was his granddaughter, Leah. Known affectionately as “Tata,” he was a constant presence in her life, from her very first doctor’s appointments to her first and last days of school. Even in his final days, his face would light up for her. She was, and will always be, “Leah de mi corazón.”
Patrick’s legacy of kindness and integrity lives on through his loving wife of 47 years, Maria; his children, Patricia (Chris) and Christopher (Marianna); and his cherished granddaughter, Leah. He is also survived by his siblings, Roberto, Maria Elena (Domingo), Ricardo (Lorena), and Javier, along with a large, loving extended family of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He is reunited in peace with his parents and the many friends and family members who went before him. They are undoubtedly sharing a drink, a laugh, and a good story together once again.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Patrick’s name to the American Cancer Society or American Stroke Association
Details regarding the wake and funeral are noted below. The funeral mass service can be viewed at
Patrick Baca Mass (1st choice)St Boniface Funeral Mass (2nd choice)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patrick E. “Patricio” Baca, un esposo, padre y abuelo devoto de Glen Cove, NY, falleció pacíficamente en la mañana del 15 de diciembre de 2025, a la edad de 86 años. Nacido en Quito, Ecuador, el 14 de julio de 1939, hijo de Manuel Baca Lasso y Dolores Baca Baca, la vida de Patrick estuvo marcada por un profundo sentido del deber y una sed de conocimiento.
Sirvió con distinción en el Ejército Ecuatoriano durante 15 años, donde fue miembro de la Guardia Presidencial de élite, paracaidista y ranger. Su servicio excepcional lo llevó a ser seleccionado para un entrenamiento especializado con los Boinas Verdes de EE. UU. en Panamá, un hito que llevó con inmenso orgullo durante toda su vida. Incluso después de concluir su carrera militar en 1967, su amor por las fuerzas armadas permaneció; muchos viajes familiares de campamento en verano se dedicaron a visitar sitios militares, compartiendo la historia y las anécdotas de su servicio con sus hijos.
En 1968, Patrick se mudó a Woodside, Queens, para construir una nueva vida junto a sus familiares. Aunque no tuvo una educación superior formal, fue un erudito autodidacta. Era un ávido lector y estaba excepcionalmente bien informado sobre historia mundial y política. No disfrutaba nada más que un animado debate en la mesa, donde su mente aguda y curiosidad siempre estaban presentes.
En diciembre de 1972, durante una visita a ver a su madre en Ecuador, Patrick conoció a María. Lo que comenzó como una relación a distancia floreció en un romance para toda la vida. María se unió a él en Nueva York en 1978 y se casaron en Glen Cove, donde formarían su familia.
Patrick fue un hombre de incansable ética de trabajo y desinteresada humildad. Durante más de 30 años, trabajó en la Mansión De Seversky en el Instituto de Tecnología de Nueva York, a menudo trabajando junto a María para asegurar que sus hijos tuvieran todas las oportunidades posibles. Valoraba mucho la educación, asegurándose de que Patricia y Christopher asistieran a escuelas católicas y comprendieran la importancia del esfuerzo. Su bondad se extendía mucho más allá de su propio hogar. Se sabía que Patrick salía en medio de la noche para recoger a compañeros de trabajo que no tenían transporte, para que no tuvieran que caminar en el frío. Fue una presencia constante en la vida de sus hijos, siendo voluntario en St. Boniface y entrenador de los equipos de fútbol de Glen Cove. Esto continuó cuando se hicieron adultos, asegurando que él estuviera presente en todos los eventos importantes y que se mantuvieran las comidas familiares semanales. Recibía a todos en su casa con una sonrisa y una comida caliente, siempre viendo lo mejor en cada persona que conocía.
En sus últimos años, la mayor alegría de Patrick fue su nieta, Leah. Conocido cariñosamente como “Tata”, fue una presencia constante en su vida, desde sus primeras citas médicas hasta su primer y último día de escuela. Incluso en sus últimos días, su rostro se iluminaba por ella. Ella fue, y siempre será, “Leah de mi corazón”.
El legado de bondad e integridad de Patrick vive a través de su amada esposa de 47 años, María; sus hijos, Patricia (Chris) y Christopher (Marianna); y su querida nieta, Leah. También le sobreviven sus hermanos, Roberto, María Elena (Domingo), Ricardo (Lorena) y Javier, junto con una gran y amorosa familia extendida de cuñados, sobrinos, sobrinas, primas y queridos amigos. Se ha reunido en paz con sus padres y los muchos amigos y familiares que lo precedieron. Sin duda, están compartiendo una bebida, una risa y una buena historia juntos una vez más.-b
En lugar de flores, se pueden hacer donaciones a nombre de Patrick a American Cancer Society o American Stroke Association
Los detalles sobre el velorio y el funeral se indican a continuación.
Si desean unirse virtualmente para el servicio de la misa pueden en los siguentes links
Misa Patrick Baca (Primera eleccion)St Boniface Funeral Mass (Segunda eleccion)To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
300 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Head, NY 11545
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

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