Joe Davalos

Joe Davalos, 90, of Albuquerque, NM, died peacefully in his sleep Friday, January 28, 2022, after a battle with cancer. Santiago and Pablita Davalos welcomed Joe into this world on march 19, 1931 in Clovis, NM, where he would grow up with his three brothers and one sister. After graduating from Sacred Heart Catholic School, he joined the Air Force and served four years before moving to Albuquerque, NM. Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) Joe Davalos dedicated 36 years to his country before retiring in 1990 from the New Mexico Air National Guard. As an NCO in intelligence, he served in South Korea after the USS Pueblo was captured by North Korea during the "Pueblo Incident". In 1961, he wed the love of his life, Antonia. Together they raised 8 beautiful children: Kathleen, Sandra, Martha, David, Lawrence, Lorraine, Annette, and Pauline.

Joe and Antonia attended church regularly at The Shrine of St. Bernadette, where they devoted countless hours to being eucharistic ministers, baptismal leaders, ushering, and sponsorship. Joe's favorite pastime was taking his lovely wife to the UNM football and basketball games, where they could cheer on their beloved Lobos. He loved to spoil his adored Antonia with trips to various destinations, such as Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Vatican City in Rome, Medjugorje in Bosnia, and Winnipeg in Canada. He liked sports of all kinds, but nothing could compare to football and his beloved Cowboys. On any given day, Joe could be found at the Albuquerque Downs, placing bets and enjoying the horse races.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Antonia; mother, Pablita; father Santiago; brothers, Vicente, Fred and Thomas Davalos; and sister, Lena Hernandez; children, Martha Bernal, David Bernal, Lorraine Aargon, and Pauline Lopez; and grandson, Jason Patterson. He is survived by children, Kathleen Lopez (Joe), Sandra Sumner (Alan), Lawrence Bernal (Karie) and Annette Martinez (Richard); along with 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Friends may visit French Funerals and Cremations at 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE on February 17, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rosary will be recited on February 17, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at French Funerals and Cremations, followed by mass on February 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11401 Indian School Rd. NE. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Aaron Sumner, Eric Patterson, Adam Sumner, Todd Bernal, Zachary Lopez, and Mark Bernal. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Joe's name.