Gregory F. Avila

Gregory F. Avila passed away on Monday morning, August 24, 2015. He is survived by his mother, Gloria D. Shaw; Nancy K. Babecka-Avila, the mother of their two children; daughter, Dawn M. Montano; son, Mario J. Avila and wife Stephanie M. Avila; granddaughter, Jade E. Montano; sister, Jody L. Contreras and husband Ralph M. Contreras; her two daughters Samantha M. Contreras and Stephanie M. Gardiner and husband Stephen Gardiner, two children, Gabriel and Leah Gardiner, as well as his aunt, Josepha Cruz. Gregory was a Naval Combat Corpsman in Vietnam and served with the United States Marine Corps 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines at Quang Tri. After Vietnam, he came home to Albuquerque, New Mexico and joined the Albuquerque Police Department. While serving with APD, Gregory was shot twice in the line of duty, taking a total of six bullets - four in 1976 and two more in 1981. He was a wonderful father and grandfather to his two children and granddaughter. He spent every moment possible with them - whether it was dance, cheer, numerous sporting activities, or simply being with those he loved most dearly. Gregory also loved to ride his Harley with his brothers from the Blue Knights, who had served with him in APD and various other law enforcement agencies. He could always be counted on to drop whatever he was doing and help his family and friends. Gregory is also a devout Christian and has served in various categories at both the Catholic Church and later at Sagebrush Community Church, where he most recently served in the Jail Ministry at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque. Gregory's devotion to Christ has assured him his place in Heaven, where he is now with his father, Floyd Avila; his brother, Stephen Avila, son-in-law, Nathan Montano and many other family members and friends. Please join the family in celebrating Gregory's wonderful and heroic life on Friday, August 28, 2015 with a public visitation at 10:30 a.m. at Sagebrush Community Church, 6440 Coors Blvd. NW, followed by Funeral Services at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 11:15 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Norm Montano, Anthony Kraemer, Klay Kraemer, John Hearn, Bob Coon, Scott Lopez, Stephen Gardiner and Robert Garcia. FRENCH - Westside 9300 Golf Course Rd NW 505-897-0300