Celedon A. Gabaldon

Celedon “Sal” A. Gabaldon, born June 12,1938, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of December 13, 2024, two months after his beloved wife, Rosalie J. Gabaldon passed away. He is survived by his daughter Celeste G. Rhoades, daughter Laverne G. Brooks (Brian), brother Premetivo Gabaldon Jr. (Jo), brother Vivian Gabaldon, brother LeRoy Gabaldon (Dorothy), granddaughter Nicole “Nikki” Gabaldon, grandson Isaiah Rhoades, step grandson Colton Brooks, beloved great granddaughters and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his infant son Damian A. Gabaldon, parents Premetivo Sr. and Delfina “Fina” Gabaldon, and brother Pedro “Pete” Gabaldon. 

Sal grew up in Belen, New Mexico and joined the United States Army when he was 18 years old and proudly served for several years. He met the love of his life, Rosalie, at a dance and they married on August 7, 1965. Together they raised their two daughters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He retired from Sandia National Laboratories after working there for many years.

Sal had a creative mind and was involved in various projects. He enjoyed working in the garden and was well known for his green thumb, even working in a flower shop when he was a young man. He enjoyed making people happy and was always ready with a joke. His family meant the world to him.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the nursing staff at Genesis Sandia Ridge Center, where he spent the last four years of his life. A special thank you to Victoria and Stephanie with the Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Community Nursing Home Unit who have provided support and guidance over the past few years. Also, to the VA, Inpatient Hospice Unit staff who took wonderful care of him in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in his honor to the Veteran’s Affairs, please see https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/

A rosary will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 - St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church at 9:00am. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 - St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church at 9:30am. Following the mass a reception will be held at St. Charles with an interment at Mount Calvary Cemetery at 12:30pm. 

In honor of his sweet tooth, cookies will be served at a small reception directly after the church services are concluded.