John Birner

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. John is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Celia (Sally) Birner; loving children, Eleanor Macias; son-in-law, Tony Macias, Edward B. Birner and Robert Gabaldon; grandchildren, John Birner, Roberta Gabaldon, Angela Maldonado, Tony Macias Jr. and wife, Amber, Angela Macias, Andrew Birner, Christopher Birner and Bronson Macias, and 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Sara Storey and husband, Roy; brother, Charles Birner and wife, Sharon; sisters-in-law, Andrea Camp, Lala Gabaldon, Sr. Eileen Jaramillo, O.P., and Jean Garcia; and several nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Frank W. Birner and Inez Bourguignon Birner; brothers, Eddie and Nestor Birner; grandson, Edward J. Birner; and brother-in-law, Tom C. Garcia. John was a member of the U.S. Army, and retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 35 years. He worked at La Pasada Alternative Housing for 20 years. John enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends, who are welcome to come for a visitation at FRENCH - Lomas on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church (Lomas and Tennesee) with Funeral Mass to follow at 10:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be John Birner, Tony Macias, Jr., Frank Storey, Rod Storey, Jim Garcia and Steve Garcia. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 916 Castillo Ave., Belen, NM 87002.