Manuel Gallegos

Manuel A. (Tony) Gallegos peacefully passed away at his home in the Albuquerque South Valley on a beautiful spring day on February 20, 2024. He was universally loved by all who knew him, and was an exemplary role model for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He always had a smile to share with visitors and friends, making everyone feel welcomed and loved.

Tony served for four years with the United States Navy, followed by ten years with the United States Postal Service. He received his BA in Elementary Education at the University of New Mexico, and his MA in Special Education, also at UNM. He would go on to influence and impact innumerable lives of students during his 28 years with Albuquerque Public Schools.

Tony married the love of his life Juanita in 1956. They would establish their home on Shadyside Drive and go on to have six children (two girls and four boys). Vacations were often spent fishing and camping in New Mexico, but mostly they spent crazy and fun family time in their home in the South Valley. His love for Juanita, love for his family, and love of God were always his highest priorities, and were the principles that he used to guide him throughout his life. Even after Juanita's passing in 2013, Tony would pray with her and let her know that he loved her each and every day.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Gallegos; his brothers, Ben Gallegos, Alfred Gallegos, and Paul Gallegos; his sister, Theresa DeLaO; and his granddaughter, Melissa Lujan. He is survived by his children, Loretta Otero, Anthony Lee Gallegos and wife, Lorraine, Louis Gallegos and girlfriend, Kathy, Robert Gallegos and wife, Geraldine, David Gallegos and wife, Joselyne, Lisa Lujan and husband, Michael; ex-daughter-in-law, Clare Gallegos; ex-son-in-law, Anthony Otero; by his grandchildren, Joseph Otero and wife, Christina, Rebecca Otero, Charlene Gallegos, Anthony Gallegos Jr., Clarisa Dominguez and husband, Anthony, Stefanie Coleman and husband, David, Jessica Rodarte and husband, Ric, Veronica Tighe and husband, Joe, Alexandra Gallegos, Arynn Gallegos, Isabel Gallegos, Michelle Lujan, and Monica Lujan; and his great-grandchildren, Isaac Gallegos, Eric Edwards, Henry Rodarte, Natalie Rodarte, Cecilia Tighe, Michael Tighe, Nicholas Tighe, Mary Dominguez, Elizabeth Dominguez, Damon Pate, and Josiah Otero.

While we are truly heartbroken by his passing, we are eternally grateful for the faith, friendship, guidance, and love he so generously provided to each of us. He lived an honorable and wonderful life, always faithful to God, and providing endless love and joy to his family and friends.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 5800 Ouray Rd. NW, Albuquerque, 87120. A rosary for Tony will also be held just prior to the funeral mass at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church at 9:30 am. Reception will follow the mass at Saints Peter and Paul community hall.

Tony asked that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church NSLC Academy.