George Lovato Sr.

George Lovato Sr., beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather died peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2023. He was preceded in death and is reunited with his lovely wife of 69 years, Marjorie. George is survived by his daughter, Carole "Joanie" Simon and husband Jay; his son, George Lovato Jr. and his wife, Gale; grandsons, Jordan Simon, Sean Ramirez and his fiance, Raquel; and great-granddaughters, Eliza Ramirez and Mariah Garcia Ramirez. George is also survived by his sister, Frances Mares and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
George was born Sunday, October 27, 1929 in Holman, New Mexico to Jacobo and Beatriz Tafoya Lovato, one of 13 children. He spent his childhood working the family farm and attending school run by the Presbyterian Missions. Upon graduation from Menaul High School in Albuquerque, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, California he met and married fellow Marine, Marjorie.
George was deployed to Korea during the Korean War and was one of the "Chosin Few" who survived the 17 day Chinese assault at the Chosin Reservoir, Nov/Dec 1950. Upon discharge, George and Marjorie settled in San Diego where they raised their two children. Both he and his wife worked in the aerospace industry while George studied business at San Diego State University. Then in 1967, the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where George worked for the State of New Mexico, and was appointed Commissioner of the Motor Vehicle Department by Governor Bruce King. At the conclusion of that appointment, George started his own vehicle registration business which he operated for 43 years, assisted by his friend and manager, Dora Esquibel. In 1975 George completed his degree, B.S. in Business Administration at the University of Albuquerque. In retirement, George and Marjorie enjoyed the local casinos and trips to Las Vegas, NV. George also played golf and enjoyed spending time with his cherished grandsons and great granddaughters. Our family would like to thank Roadrunner Hospice, Tami, Roger, Mona and Dr. Piñon for their exceptional comfort and care, his family at Avista Senior living, where he lived these last three months, and his personal caregiver while still living at home, Latoya, whose care and love helped him tremendously through the last year of his life. Family and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. Service to follow at 10:00 a.m at FRENCH-Wyoming. George will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Marjorie, at a private interment ceremony at Gate of Heaven Cemetery directly following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of George Lovato Sr. to The Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.