Claude was born on the first of March, 1933 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico where he was raised by his mother, Ramona Baca.
He devoted his life serving as a Major in the Air Force protecting his country for over two decades and was in the Navy Reserve. After traveling all over the world in his military career, he brought his family to Thousand Oaks, California in 1968. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he would go on to fly for United Airlines for over 20 years.
He was a devoted Catholic who volunteered his time. He served in the Knights of Columbus, was a Mason, a member of the Thousand Oaks Model A Club, Veterans History Project, Rotary Club, Westlake Village Yacht Club, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and various other hobbyist and aeronautical organizations. He enjoyed computer coding, woodworking, and genealogical research.
Those who knew him said he had an infectious smile, a sharp wit, and always a story to tell.
He was a widower and a devoted husband of over 50 years. Claude and his wife Laura Janet Lee (Ferrara) had five sons Mark, David, Paul, John, and Patrick. He leaves a large legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved and will miss him.