Ulysses G. Paisano

Went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 25, 2014. Ulysses was a godly Christian man and a loving example to his family, friends, and all who knew him. Ulysses was born on December 26, 1912, to Ulysses G. Paisano, Sr. and Mary Sarracino Paisano at Casa Blanca, NM, one of the seven villages of the Pueblo of Laguna. Ulysses (also known as “U.G.”) was the oldest living member of Albuquerque First Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 74 plus years, Beulah D. Paisano, of Albuquerque; daughters, Cheryl Jean Paisano and Merle-Dean Sanchez and husband, Joseph; two grandchildren, D’anza Freeland and husband, Mark and Dr. Damion Sanchez; two great-granddaughters, Iliana Freeland and Annalee Freeland; niece, Evelyn Paisano; nephew, Dr. Michael Trujillo; and great-niece, Karen Waconda-Lewis. U.G. attended the Albuquerque Indian School and Grants High School, where he served as the first student body president. He attended Haskell Institute (now Haskell Indian Nations University) in Lawrence, KS. In May 2002, Ulysses was recognized as the Outstanding Haskell Alumnus. He also attended Saint Joseph’s College on the Rio Grande in Albuquerque. Upon his graduation from Haskell, U.G. returned to Laguna to help with the family ranch where he had memorable days. He was a property and supply clerk at Albuquerque Indian School when World War II broke out. He volunteered for the United States Navy. After his boot camp training, it was discovered that he had a hearing impairment that qualified him for an honorable medical discharge. After returning home, he assumed his prior position at A.I.S. In 1960, until his retirement in 1973, he served as the Bureau of Indian Affairs Branch of Credit as a credit officer for the Southern and Northern Pueblos Agencies. In the 1950’s at the discovery of uranium on the Laguna reservation, the tribe had income royalties that needed attention. The Laguna Tribe appointed 12 of its members to serve on the Laguna Finance and Planning Committee. Ulysses served as its chairman for five years. During that period, tribal funds were invested, college scholarships, and other tribal programs were established and are still in place today. Per Capita Distribution required revisions to the Tribal Constitution, thus the committee was asked to take on that task and explain it to all tribal members, even those living out of New Mexico. Ulysses served as the first treasurer of the All Indian Pueblo Council. Over 50 years ago, he was instrumental in establishing the Albuquerque Laguna Colony which kept the urban Laguna population abreast of tribal concerns. U.G. and Beulah also initiated the Haskell Club to celebrate friendships and introduce prospective students to Haskell’s educational opportunities. They were active members in the Cherokees of New Mexico. U.G. is a well-known silversmith. His jewelry is proudly owned by many patrons in the country. After he retired in 1973, he had more time to spend on his hobby. In addition, U.G. was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing; and also enjoyed watching sports on television, especially the New Mexico Lobos and the Dallas Cowboys. Ulysses enjoyed reading the Bible and participating in his Sunday School class. The class members always looked forward to his jokes at the end of class. As U.G. celebrated his 101st birthday, he still had a keen mind and sense of humor. He still had many memories and stories to share with his family and friends, all who were blessed to know and love him. Services will be held Thursday, January 30, 2014, 1:00 p.m., at FRENCH – University. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Friends may visit FRENCH – University on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Lani Desaulniers, Dr. Robert Reidy, and Dr. Chuck North, the Lovelace ICU staff, and Gentiva Hospice.

Ulysses G. Paisano

December 26, 1912 - January 25, 2014