Stan Quintana

Stan Quintana (December 23, 1944 - September 21, 2019) was born to loving parents Estanislado Quintana and Susanna (Garcia) Quintana in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

As a young man, Stan’s musical ambitions ended after forgetting his violin at the baseball field. At Santa Fe High School, Stan experienced a tremendous growth spurt between his sophomore and junior years in which he went from 5’6” to 6.’ With his added height, Stan excelled in football, basketball and baseball, earning Honorable Mention on the High School All-American Football Team, participating in New Mexico’s North-South All-Star Game, named to the New Mexico’s All-State Football team and awarded Santa Fe High School’s Athlete of the Year.

His outstanding performances earned Stan a football scholarship to the University of New Mexico where he is most often remembered for football but also lettered in baseball. Stan led the Lobos to the 1963 Western Athletic Conference championship title and shared tri-champ honors in 1964. A three-year starter at quarterback and defensive back from 1963-65, Stan was named WAC Offensive Player of the Year in 1964 and he defensively led the Lobos in interceptions in 1964 and '65. His senior season, Stan played in the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game. When Stan left UNM he had established 12 school records, many of which still stand today.

Stan was drafted by the NFL's Minnesota Vikings, the AFL’s New York Jets as well as the AL’s Cleveland Indians. Ultimately, Stan joined the Vikings for three seasons before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.

Stan served three years in the Marines 2nd Combined Action Group in Vietnam, where he received the Profile of Courage Award from the New Mexico Vietnam Veterans Association.

Upon returning, Stan completed his Bachelor’s in Education at the University of Texas at El Paso before earning a Master’s in Education from UNM. 

From 1981-86, Stan joined the UNM coaching staff where he worked with receivers, helping the 1982 Lobos to a 10-1 record and a No. 3 national ranking in total offense at 469 yards per game.

After UNM, Stan coached various high school teams and taught elementary physical education in the El Paso area for over 20 years before retiring.

In 1998, Stan was named to the UNM All-Century Team as a defensive back, and in 2003 he was inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.

Stan was the epitome of a quiet leader who led through his actions instead of words. A humble man, Stan always acknowledged his teammates, coaches and others who helped him to succeed. He committed fully to all of his endeavors and would move mountains for those he loved. The world is a little less brilliant without his guiding light. Stan will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

Stan is survived by his children, Allen Quintana, Shari Quintana and Sara Quintana, grandchildren, Alyssa Quintana, Teresa Quintana, Jacob Quintana and Santana Stewart, sisters, Sylvia Quintana and Olivia Miles, brother, Quentin Quintana, in addition to many other nieces, nephews and loved ones.

Rosary service will be held on October 18, 2019 at 10 am with Mass at 11 am at St. Anne Catholic Church, 511 Alicia St, Santa Fe, NM 87501. Burial service will then follow at 1:30 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, with a reception immediately afterward at the McGee Memorial Chapel Mortuary, 1320 Luisa St, Santa Fe, NM 87505.

In lieu of flowers, please support the The National League of POW/MIA Families. For more information, visit their website, https://www.pow-miafamilies.org/how-you-can-help.html

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