Joe Zamora

Joe Zamora, age 87, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 27th, 2025 in his home. Joe was an avid hunter who cherished his time in the Jemez Mountains, where he shared countless adventures with his father, brothers, sons, nephews and friends. Affectionately nicknamed "Bear," he lived up to the name with his formidable strength and imposing presence. Known for his unwavering work ethic, Joe joined the U.S. Army as a young man and served honorably in Korea. After returning home, he began a lifelong career as an auto mechanic, mastering his craft over the years. He shared his knowledge as an auto mechanics instructor at TVI and later worked for the City of Albuquerque as a long time employee, where he played a key role in developing the city's current auto emissions program.

Some of Joe's favorite sayings captured both his wisdom and his sense of humor. He often said, "Put your eggs in that basket-and watch that basket." Another favorite was, "Be careful how you treat people on your way up the ladder of success, because you never know who you'll see on your way down." With a characteristic chuckle, he'd also joke, "Someone once told me things were cheaper by the dozen-I didn't realize they were talking about donuts, not children."

Joe is preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Martha Zamora; his 3 children, Cindy Gutierrez and spouse Peter Gutierrez, daughter Bernadette Zamora, son Lawrence Zamora, grandson Daniel Tafoya (Louise), grandson Lauren Donley grandson (Krystal), daughter-in-law Mary Zamora, and great-granddaughter Cataleya Ortiz (Brianna), He is also preceded in death by his parents, Perfecto and Gumercinda Zamora, sisters Mary Maldonado, Felicita Marquez; brothers, Alex Zamora, Anastasio (Tacho) Zamora, Perfecto (Peto) Zamora and Frank Zamora.

He is survived by his five children, Louise Tafoya (Ralph), Joseph Zamora, Geralene Martinez (Frank), Ray Zamora (Roberta), Julie Alarcon (Joe), his sister Rose Estrada of California, Sister-in-Laws Yvonne Zamora (Tacho Zamora), Jeanette Zamora (Frank Zamora), and 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Divine Mercy Chaplet at 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Westside, 9300 Golf Course Rd NW, Albuquerque. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 9th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. with final visitation at 8:00 a.m., Our Lady of The Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 5415 Fortuna Rd NW, Albuquerque. Interment will be held Monday, May 12th, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM.