Ernest "Ernie" Gallegos

Ernest Leo Gallegos (Ernie), 68, of Albuquerque went to begin his eternal life with our Lord on Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Ernie was Born on April 12, 1951 in Denver Colorado to Samuel and Della Gallegos.  Ernie was the only boy of five children.  At a young age Ernie’s family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he grew up and attended Manzano High School where he graduated class of 1969.  After graduation Ernie was drafted into the United States Army and he was stationed in South Korea.  He was honorably discharged in 1973 after returning home he began his career in restaurant management with the Village Inn corporation and owner of an optical shop. Ernie started his own family and in 1979 move to Lubbock, Texas where he became a successful franchise owner of a Village Inn and a popular Hispanic night club owner named “The Latin Quarter.” In 1985 Ernie moved his family back to his hometown and became the Manager of  several properties till the 1990’s where he found his love in managing Mid-Campus Apartments and Kachina properties a career he had for over 30 years till the time of his passing. Ernie loved helping the students of UNM find a great place to live.  Anyone who knew Ernie knew he was an expert at tough love always pushing people to reach their true potential because he saw the best in them. He was a lifetime Pittsburgh Steeler fan, his team meant the world to him, and was something he always love to talk about. From the grocery clerk to Sunday brunch with the family watching his beloved Steelers being together watching our team play brought true joy to his heart.  Ernie truly loved his family. He was always the first to help and lend a hand when no one else could.  Above all Ernie was a man of faith.  He always tried to help people who had lost their way come back to the Lord.  To him excepting the Lord as your Christ and Savior made everything else in life possible.

Ernie was preceded into the kingdom of heaven by his daughter, Michelle Gallegos; his father and mother, Samuel and Della Gallegos; and sisters, Carla Salazar and Marcella Gallegos.  He is survived by his two daughters, Tina Mondragon and Tenille Gallegos both of Albuquerque; nine grandchildren, Tieana Sandoval, Krista Mondragon, Alyssa Mondragon, Sarah Jackson, Amanda Gallegos, Noah Mondragon, Landon Gallegos Loya, Briley Correa and Braelyn Sanchez; five great grandchildren; and his sisters, Terri and husband Shawn Hester, Connie and husband Danny Gallegos all of Albuquerque; as well as many nieces nephews and other family members.

Rosary will be recited Thursday, January 16, 2020, 8:30 a.m. followed by the Mass 9:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Road NE.  Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.