Orlando Montoya

Orlando Montoya was born April 10, 1927, in Bernalillo, NM. He passed into the Lord's hands on Thursday, September 5, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife Agnes S. Montoya, parents, Vicente and Maria Montoya; siblings, Margarito Montoya, Rita Sisneros, Lala Dominguez, and Nena Montoya, and his grandson Fred Pena. He is survived by his children, Agnes Chankin (Stephen), Orlando Montoya, Ronald Montoya (Petra), and Andrew Montoya (Christine); brother, Felo Montoya (Nora), Sister, Genevieve Castillo, and brother, Arthur Montoya (Joann); grandchildren, Genevieve (Ruben), Brian, Heidi, Erika, Jessica, Jason, Ronald Jr. (Beatrice), Carmen (Iran), Gavin, Hope and Joseph; along with nine great-grandchildren.

Orlando was the 2nd oldest of a rancher. Orlando traveled with his dad and oldest brother in the 1930's to Colorado to work in the carrot fields to help their family. In the early 1940's Orlando worked at the Bernalillo Mercantile and this is where he first saw Agnes. She walked into the Mercantile to purchase items for the sisters at the convent (which turned out to be his future wife). In the 1940's he went with his dad and mother to California to work and help the Montoya family, and this is where he learned the trade of upholstery. Orlando then moved back to Bernalillo with his parents and started to work at New Mexico Timber Co. in Bernalillo.

In 1950, he married the love of his life Agnes Segura. They were only married briefly when Orlando was drafted into the service and Agnes was left to wait, even though he was deployed overseas, she always knew that he would come home. He always wrote beautiful letters and sent her gifts from Korea and Japan.

As time progressed, they bought their business, Ace Upholstery in the early 50's. Here he worked side by side, with Agnes as the seamstress and Orlando as the upholster. Orlando and Agnes were so proud of their accomplishments at Ace Upholstery which they ran for over 70yrs. They also made lifelong friends and business partners over those 70 years.

Even though they worked hard and put in many hours at their shop, they always had time for their family. He loved having everyone around, whether he was cooking a Sunday dinner, an outing to Furr's Cafeteria, or cooking breakfast on Sunday mornings; family came first. All were welcome and everyone felt how much he loved them. He was a dedicated son, a loving husband, loyal brother, a caring uncle, amazing dad, incredible grandpa, and above all a wonderful person. Orlando Montoya was our family's patriarch and will forever be missed and loved. Orlando and Agnes were devout Catholics with a strong faith in God and Jesus.

A Rosary will be recited on Monday, September 23, 2024, 4:00 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 619 Copper Ave. NW. A Mass will be Celebrated on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Church. Reception to follow Mass at the Moose Lodge on 2121 Edith Blvd, Albuquerque, NM. Honorary pallbearers will be Gavin Montoya, Joseph Montoya, Orlando A. Montoya, Mia Padilla, Joslyn Rodriguez, and Ruben Sosa. To send flowers to the family in memory of Orlando Montoya, please visit our flower store.