Deacon Margarito "Margo" Saenz

Margarito “Margo” Saenz, 77, returned to his heavenly home on February 28, 2015, after a valiant battle with cancer. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Margo was born to the late Peter and Ernestine Saenz in San Bernardino, CA, on September 30, 1937. He moved to Barstow with his family in 1953 and graduated from Barstow High School in 1956. Margo was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his high school sweetheart, Martha Sias, on May 3, 1958, in Barstow and together raised 5 boys. His professional career spanned close to 40 years working for Prudential and High Desert Insurance, Yellow Freight, Fort Irwin and St. Joseph Catholic Church. In 2001, Margo retired to devote more time to his family and his duties as Deacon at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Church and the City of Barstow was always near and dear to his heart. Margo was a member of the United States Jr. Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), President for both East Side and West Side Little Leagues, Barstow Little League Representative for California District 49 Little League, United Way Chairman, Barstow Unified Personal Commission, Barstow Parks and Recreation Board, Barstow City Councilman 1972 – 1974, and the 2013 Man of the Year. He was involved in many activities at St. Joseph Catholic Church including CCD (Catholic Christian Doctrine Instructor), RCIA (Rita of Christian Initiation of Adults) Instructor, assisted with organizing the first Parents Teachers Group at Mt. St. Joseph School, and member of the Knights of Columbus and Cursillo Group. Margo was ordained as a Deacon on October, 4, 1986. His duties included performing marriages, officiating at funerals, assisting the Priest at mass and baptisms, and preaching. Margo’s wife, Martha, and his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, were the love of his life. He was a kind, generous man and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. He will be dearly missed by family, friends, church family and the community. Margo is survived by his wife, Martha; his sons and their wives – Steven and Terry, Matthew and Dina, Timothy and Heather, Mark and Yadhira, and widow of Richard, Jamie Saenz Williams; his brothers Robert and Richard; 19 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Richard; sister, Juanita; and his parents. The Rosary will be held Wednesday, March 4 at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and graveside services will immediately follow at Mtn. View Memorial Park. A reception will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Church’s Noonan Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Soup Kitchen or Community Hospice of Victor Valley.