John Gallegos

At age 91, our loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother passed away, with his family at his side, late Friday evening, December 21, 2012. A lifelong resident of New Mexico, John was born in Villanueva, NM, and graduated from St. Michael's College, where he later also assisted in some classroom education. After his marriage to his beloved wife Josephine Salas, and with four children, John moved with his family to Albuquerque, where he hoped to pursue a career in business. John began his career in 1951, and has won numerous awards through the years for outstanding salesmanship and achievement. When the U.S., as an ally to Mexico, began to recruit farmers, ranchers and veterinarians to eradicate the hoof and mouth disease epidemic, John signed on in 1948 with the El Fiebre Aftosa to assist in what became an international crisis. He settled his family in Mexico City and served two tours of duty totaling almost five years in Mexico, where their fifth child was born. Though he made many sacrifices, which included several weeks at a time apart from his family while he toiled in the fields, he was able to save enough money when he returned to the U.S. in order to incorporate and open his business in 1961. Appliance City & Furniture had its beginnings as a very small 500 square feet appliance store at 224 4th St. NW next to the old Fedway building. Due to his dedication, great work ethic, and outstanding customer relations, as well as the company's slogan, "Where Customer Satisfaction is a Must", John was able to excel in his efforts to expand, and opened a larger store of 3200 square feet, located at 6th & Central in downtown Albuquerque. Subsequent expansion forced him to build his own furniture and appliance store currently located at 500 4th St. SW, which, thanks to John's business expertise and tutelage, continues to be a family-owned and operated business today. A man of many accomplishments and talents in business, music, and poetry, John was loved, admired, and respected by many. He taught himself to play guitar and, along with his beautiful singing voice and dynamic personality, always enjoyed entertaining friends and family. His charisma allowed him to command attention upon entering any room, and his magnetic appeal and attraction had no bounds. Since he retired, so many friends and customers have missed his always smiling face and amusing jokes and anecdotes. Truly, he will be sorely missed! John is survived by his children, Violet Gallegos Tabet, Maxine Gallegos, R. J. (Dick) Gallegos, Eddie Gallegos, and Anna Marie Gallegos Miller and husband Jim (so loved by John and touted as a pillar of the family); grandchildren, Richard Gallegos and wife Cynthia, Erik Gallegos (who claimed John not only as his grandfather, but a father as well) and Amber Rutherford, Raymond Gallegos and wife Sarah and daughter Joey, Joshua Dee Miller and Laurie Placencio and daughter Leandra, Jenise Miller Martinez and husband Brian (who was more like a true Grandson so loved by John), Trinity Miller, Michael Gallegos, and Johnathan Gallegos; great-grandchildren, Andrew Duran, Jonathan C De Baca, Joshua J. D. Miller, Jace Martinez, Ashley Rae Gallegos, Treyton Padilla, Tyler Martinez, Abriana Martinez, Larissa Miller, Alora Joy Gallegos, and Logan Miller; and great, great- grandchild Lorelei Elizabeth Rodarte C De Baca, and his only surviving sister Luciana Lucero. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Josephine Salas Gallegos; parents Porfirio and Respicia Gonzales Gallegos; brothers Fortunato and Piedad; sisters Otilia and Cipriana. Sadly but joyfully, Dad, we released you and sent you home to be with Our Lord, and to meet once again your beloved wife Josephine and all who went before you. We loved you dearly and always, and will miss you so very much! Rest in peace, Papacito, until we meet again. We mournfully remember your beautiful words of encouragement, "Life is for the living". A Rosary will be held at FRENCH- Wyoming on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 6:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5311 Phoenix Ave, NE.