Tony Lovato

Tony G. Lovato, born Antonio Lovato on June 14, 1933, in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Tiburcio and Genarita, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn Lovato; his five children, Jerry, Lorrie, Sherri, David, and Leslie; and seven beloved grandchildren, Scout, Keely, Sydnie, Sadie, Ryan, Emily, and Alex.

Tony grew up in the Barelas neighborhood with his twenty siblings, including his ten brothers; Raul, Edwin, Pat, TB, James, Phillip, Benny, Gilbert, Michael, and Johnny, and his nine sisters; Bernice, Rosie, Gloria, Stella, Yvonne, Veronica, Betty Jean, Annette, and Helen. From an early age, Tony helped his family by doing odd jobs after school and on the weekends with his father-doing carpentry, picking onions, shining shoes at the rail station, and even playing music at after-hours clubs, always bringing his earnings home to his mother. At the age of ten, he received his first guitar, sparking a lifelong passion for music and performance.

As a teenager, Tony also worked as a busboy and fry cook at local restaurants, most memorably at the Red Ball Café, home of the Wimpy Burger, where he learned his way around a kitchen. After graduating from Albuquerque High School, Tony enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he trained as a fingerprint specialist at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Following his service, he returned to Albuquerque, attended the College of St. Joseph on the Rio Grande, and rejoined the city's vibrant music scene. His typing skills and Army training later led him to a position with the City of Albuquerque Police Department as a fingerprint specialist. About two years later in 1959, Tony was married to Ann Vivian, became the permanent guitarist for the Bourguet Brothers, a role that would define much of his musical career, and started work with the City of Albuquerque's Personnel Department.

Tony's service to the City of Albuquerque spanned 27 years. Rising through the ranks of the personnel department, he became Assistant Personnel Director, helping the city grow through decades of rapid expansion. He was involved in thousands of hires, shaping the city's workforce and often being stopped by grateful employees in grocery stores, movie theaters, or restaurants. Among his professional accomplishments, Tony was most proud of the landmark New Mexico Supreme Court case Tony G. Lovato v. City of Albuquerque, which affirmed that employees have a constitutionally protected property interest in their employment contracts and are entitled to due process.

Music was always Tony's heartbeat. He played with the Bourguet Brothers for over 50 years-every weekend, week after week, year after year-until he was 75 years old. The band traveled throughout New Mexico and neighboring states, filling dance halls, VFWs, fraternal lodges, fairs, and festivals with their sound. Tony logged tens of thousands of miles each year, often in his beloved blue Cadillac, which proudly traveled nearly 400,000 miles before it was retired.

In 1973, Tony married Marilyn G. Giannini in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they built a warm and lively home, filled with music, laughter, and the aromas of Tony's cooking. He loved making refried beans, tacos, posole and Wimpy Burgers for his family and neighbors. Tony and Marilyn enjoyed traveling, either on trips to Las Vegas, afternoons at horse tracks and casinos, or getaways to Ruidoso and the Downs of Santa Fe.

For more than 70 years, Tony devoted himself to handicapping, carefully studying each horse's past performances and the track conditions before placing a bet. A true railbird, he spent countless days at the track, where he formed lasting friendships with jockeys and owners, including his longtime friend Dr. Gherardi. Their thirty-year bond carried them through the highs of victory, the sting of defeat, and most importantly, their shared love of horses.

Among the many horses Tony followed, one in particular captured his heart-"Little Pinch." With grit, determination, and an uncanny ability to show up when it mattered most, Little Pinch mirrored Tony's own journey through life. Just like that steadfast horse, Tony faced every turn with resilience and heart. His presence at the Jockey Club at the Downs will be deeply missed, but his spirit will always linger where the railbirds gather.

Tonys pride shown brightest when he heard of his grandchildren's achievements, each milestone becoming a story he carried in his heart. Whether it was the news of an excellent report card, a college acceptance, or the determination shown to earn a degree, he felt as though their hard work reflected on the values he had tried to pass down. Education, to him, was more than grades-it is a sign of a strong foundation to build future.

He felt that same pride hearing about their victories on the soccer field, the volleyball court, and the baseball diamond. Every goal, every serve, every base hit, brought a smile to Tonys face, dimples and all.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Seana and the team at Roadrunner Home Health for the exceptional care they provided for Tony. Their dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts-especially in helping him remain mobile and active until the very end-brought comfort and dignity to his final days. Their support will always be remembered with deep appreciation.

Tony will be remembered as a husband, proud father and grandfather, loyal brother, and a man whose music, work, and spirit left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Whether on stage with his guitar, in the kitchen sharing his favorite meals, or serving the City of Albuquerque with integrity and compassion, Tony lived a life of purpose, generosity, and love. His laughter, music, and kindness will echo in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

Rosary, Sunday September 14, 5:00 pm at FRENCH-Wyoming, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.

Mass, Monday September 15, 2025 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Annunciation 2621 Vermont St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.

Burial to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery 1900 Edith Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM, 87102.