Dennis Peckinpaugh

Dennis Peckinpaugh, US Army Major (Ret) and Cleveland Middle School teacher (Ret) passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on Friday, February 18, 2022 after declining from the effects of Parkinson’s Disease due to Agent Orange exposure and Lewy Body Dementia.  He was born in Texas to Fred and Maude Peckinpaugh on April 22, 1943 and moved to Albuquerque when he was six.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh; his daughter, Michele Peckinpaugh; his son, David Peckinpaugh and his wife Maureen Tansey; and two grandchildren, Alexina and Sam Peckinpaugh.  He is also survived by his brother, Tom Peckinpaugh (Judy); nephews, Greg and Brian Peckinpaugh; and niece, Diane Peckinpaugh Tadlock; several great nieces and nephews; cousins; and two stepbrothers, George and Gary Nielsen. He was preceded in death by his mother, Maude Peckinpaugh; and his father, Fred Peckinpaugh.

He graduated from Highland High School and the University of New Mexico where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.  He received his Master’s degree from Webster College. Dennis proudly served our country in the United States Army for twenty years and retired as a Major. He served two tours during the Vietnam War, was wounded during his first tour in 1968 and awarded a Purple Heart along with the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and others. Dennis was a life member of Chapter 1966 of the New Mexico Military Order of the Purple Heart. During his Army career, he was stationed in various locations and lived with his family in Fort Ord, California; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Augsburg, Germany; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and Stone Mountain, Georgia. He retired in 1986 and returned to Albuquerque with his family. After serving in the Army, Dennis taught for twenty years at Cleveland Middle School in Albuquerque. He relished the opportunity to be a part of so many children’s lives as a teacher.

A former Cleveland student has said that Dennis always made him, and other students feel special and important when he saw them in the halls. Dennis lived a full life, enjoyed spending time with family and friends and always supported, delighted, and bragged on the accomplishments of his wife, children and grandchildren. He was known for his warm personality, big smile, joy of laughter and sense of humor (especially “Dad” jokes). He always lit up the room and had a way of turning a tough/sad moment into a laughable moment.

He loved cooking, enjoyed food, and was always drawn to spicy foods as well as unique cuisine. He had a passion for history and geography and was a member of Historic Albuquerque, Inc. He was an avid runner and was often seen running with his beloved beagles. Dennis has been a long time UNM Lobo fan enjoying many years of attending Lobo football and basketball games. The family would like to express their thanks to the Albuquerque New Mexico VA hospital and Albuquerque Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their personal and professional care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dennis’ name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Parkinson’s Foundation or a charity of your choice:

Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc.
912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA. 30047
lbda.org

Parkinson’s Foundation
200 SE 1st Street Suite 800, Miami, FL. 33131
parkinson.org

A Visitation for Dennis will be held Thursday, March 10, 2022, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Lomas.   Mass will be celebrated Friday, March 11, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of The Annunciation Parish.  Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.