Obituaries

RECENT OBITUARIES

LOCAL OBITUARIES FOR ALBUQUERQUE, NM, BERNALILLO COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREAS.

Kimberly Louise Dapson

Kimberly Louise Dapson

August 3, 2026

Kimberly Dapson was born October 4, 1970, to parents Phillip D. Reed and Jeri Martinov in South Bend, Indiana.

She spent most of her life in Albuquerque, where she grew up an Albuquerque High Bulldog, class of '88, before going on to graduate from the University of New Mexico.

She began her career in the US Attorney's Office before spending 32 years...

Kurt Robert Sams

Kurt Robert Sams

August 3, 2026

Kurt Robert Sams, 79, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on July 30, 2026. He was born on December 9, 1946, in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.

Kurt spent much of his childhood in Santa Monica, California, where his parents, Edna and Curtis Sams, owned and operated Cora's Coffee Shoppe. After serving in the United States military during the Vietnam War, he earned a...

Robert Lee Clark

Robert Lee Clark

August 3, 2026

CLARK, ROBERT LEE, age 88, and a resident of Albuquerque since 1965, died August2,2026. Bob was pre-deceased by his wife Vonda Colbert Clark on August 2,2A23 whom he fondly described as the love of his life, and on July 3 , 2025 his oldest son Gregory Clark. Bob is survived by his son Jason Clark, grandchildren Austin and Madalyne Clark,...

Doralea "Dollie" Lowery

Doralea "Dollie" Lowery

August 2, 2026

Doralea "Dollie" Lowery passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, friendship, and devotion to her family and community.

Born September 4, 1940, in Culver City, California, Dollie spent most of her life in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she was actively involved in her community for many years.

While attending college...

Robert Lee Fountain

Robert Lee Fountain

August 2, 2026

Our beloved father, Bob, took his final bow on August 2, 2026. Born in Nebraska, he carried that stubborn Midwestern work ethic into a distinguished 20+year career in the U.S. Air Force. His military service took the family on a grand adventure, living and traveling all over Europe from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s before we finally settled down in Albuquerque. He...

Frances Delores Cooper

Frances Delores Cooper

August 2, 2026

Frances Cooper was born on August 21, 1932, to Clyde and Frances (Gorman) Stickel in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Cape Maine, New Jersey where she met John Cooper. They married on May 22, 1948.

Frances and John moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1964 with their children John and Fran, having Linda in Albuquerque. Frances worked for...

Betty Jane Murphy

Betty Jane Murphy

August 1, 2026

We are saddened to share that Betty Murphy has passed away on August 1, 2026. French Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family during this time. A full obituary will be posted once available.

Thea Babette Gallegos

Thea Babette Gallegos

August 1, 2026

Thea Gallegos, 99, passed away surrounded by the love and legacy of a family she cherished throughout her life. Thea was born in Munich, Germany, and her remarkable life journey eventually brought her to New Mexico. Following World War II, she immigrated to the United States with her husband, American serviceman Florentino P. "Lee" Gallegos, and together they made their...

Abel G. Flores

Abel G. Flores

August 1, 2026

Abel G. Flores, born on July 6, 1956, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and a resident of Tijeras, New Mexico, passed away on August 1, 2026. A lifelong learner, he dedicated his life to helping and serving others in both his careers as a paramedic and Spanish language interpreter.

His interest in medicine motivated him to become a certified EMT-Paramedic through the...

John Jeffrey Kiraly

John Jeffrey Kiraly

July 31, 2026

John Jeffrey Kiraly, 53, of Farmington, New Mexico passed away on July 31, 2026. 

Born on May 16, 1973, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jeff was the first-born child of Eric and Cynthia Kiraly. After graduating from La Cueva High School in 1991, he earned Gatorade State Player of the Year honors before getting drafted in the third round to the New York...

Carol Theresa Buchner

Carol Theresa Buchner

July 31, 2026

Carol Theresa Buchner, born February 13, 1959, in the Bronx, New York, passed peacefully on July 31, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the city she called home. She was 67 years old and lived every single day to the fullest.

Carol was a woman whose voice could be heard from miles away - and whose love could be felt just as...

Jerry E. Zimmerman

Jerry E. Zimmerman

July 30, 2026

Jerry E. Zimmerman, born July 9th, 1936, passed away July 30 , 2026, surrounded by his wife Donna of 65 years and daughter, Jennifer Zimmerman Vincent.

Jerry's early years were spent in Independence, Kansas, on a farm about which he wrote two books chronicling his life, "Curse at Squaw Creek Farm " and "So Far From Squaw Creek Farm," that focused on...

Almeta Sterling Harris

Almeta Sterling Harris

July 30, 2026

Honoring the Life of Almeta

Almeta Sterling Harris was born on Thursday, October 3, 1929, in Bryan, Texas, to the union of Oscar and Elizabeth Sterling. Almeta was the middle child of nine children. She spent her teenage years in Northern California, attending Berkley High School. Having a strong drive and desire for education, she worked her way through college and graduated...

David Charles Caccamise

David Charles Caccamise

July 30, 2026

David was born in Batavia, NY to Donald and Mary Caccamise on November 28, 1951. After graduation from Highland High School in 1969, David's made his career working at PNM and retired after 40 years.

David is survived by two sons: Richard Caccamise and wife Jennifer, Andrew Johnston and wife, Lisa, as well as a sister, Ginny Lucero. He is...

Lillian Croghan

Lillian Croghan

July 30, 2026

Lillian Croghan passed away on July 30, 2026. Due to her age and health issues, she developed heart and lung complications following abdominal surgery.

Lillian was born in the Philippines in 1938. There, she grew up with two brothers, one sister and loving parents who were both educated, and thus valued education. She eventually finished her studies at the University of...

Masako Burpee

Masako Burpee

July 30, 2026

We are saddened to share that Masako Burpee has passed away on July 30, 2026. French Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family during this time. A full obituary will be posted with information for a Celebration of Life, once available.

Bernice Julieann Sackett

Bernice Julieann Sackett

July 29, 2026

Bernice Sackett, 98, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was called to her eternal rest on July 29, 2026.

She entered this world on December 26, 1927, in East St. Louis, Illinois, born to Eva and George Samoska, the youngest of six children. She was a second-generation Lithuanian.

Bernice was a teacher and devoted much of her life to her family and...

Jolene Marie Ray

Jolene Marie Ray

July 29, 2026

We are sad to announce the passing of Jolene Marie Ray. Our beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend who passed away suddenly the morning of July 29, 2026.

Jolene was a loving and kind soul who loved working with children and was always giving to those in need. She will be missed deeply by family and friends and...

Leticia Piro

Leticia Piro

July 29, 2026

Leticia Rinaldi Piro passed away on July 27, 2026, at the age of 82, in Phoenix, AZ. She was born in Santa Fe, NM on Sept. 17, 1943 to Philip and Mary Lou Rinaldi.

Leticia was known for loving her family (especially her grandchildren!) all things Elvis, as well as being a devoted fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Leticia proudly served as...

Stephen "Tony" Palladino

Stephen "Tony" Palladino

July 29, 2026

Tony is survived by his son, Anthony Palladino; father, Jerome and wife, Nancy Palladino; sister, Juli Palladino and husband, Anthony Fischer; and brother, Nicholas and wife, Audra Palladino.

Tony was a long time NAPA employee. He enjoyed fishing and time with family in his free time.