John C. Gallimore Jr.

John C. Gallimore, Jr., age 93, World War II U.S. Merchant Marine veteran, 10- year veteran with the New Mexico State Police and our family’s patriarch passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

John graduated from Howe High School in 1943; he received his bachelor’s from Austin College in 1949 and his master’s from the University of Rochester in 1953. John spent his career working for the Department of Energy as a Health Physicist, a career spanning 45 years. He worked at many different facilities including Oak Ridge, the Nevada Test Site, Los Alamos National Laboratory and two years in Venezuela. He retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1989.

John or “Big John” was known for his interest in golf and if you knew him you would know that was an understatement. He loved hunting especially in Colorado with his best friend Glenn Barton, fishing, and camping; making him the all-around outdoorsman. He never met a stranger he didn’t end up being friends with. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had a way of making you feel special and his face would light up when you walked into the room. The loss of this great man leaves a tremendous hole in both his family and friends lives.

He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Marjorie Gallimore; his seven children, Carla Szeliga (husband Stan, deceased), Kathleen Muntean (husband Brenn), David Gallimore (wife Anne), John Gallimore III (wife Frances), Bradford Gallimore, Debbie Slavik (husband Joseph), and Misty Jester (husband Chris); his 10 grandchildren, Stacey Kilty, Chelsea Monko (husband Mike), Dennis Szeliga, Brenn Muntean Jr., Michael Slavik (wife Marcella), Morgan Love (husband Jason), Jada Gallimore, Jody Dubois (husband Chuck), Schyla Gallimore, James Gallimore (wife Devyn), Brandon Graham and Aidan Jester.

Great nephew, Chris Geren (wife Jelytza) and his children Brittany, Kirstie, Madison and Zachary. Great nephew, Jack Geren (wife Wyndi) and his children JW, Jackson and Johnny. Great niece, Carrie Cox (husband Dan) and child Christian.

Great grandchildren, Hayden Muntean, Jessica Velasquez, Michael Monko, Jamie Velasquez, Marrin Monko, Jasmin Velasquez, Katie Fiedler, Shane Kilty, Keagan Love, Makayla Dubois, Leigha Dubois, Matthew Slavik, Mason Slavik, Kayla Gallimore, Kabe Love, Hunter Gallimore and Craven Gallimore.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Novel Gallimore; sister, Margaret Spain (husband JW); niece, Sherry Geren and great granddaughter, Alexandria Velasquez.

A private family ceremony will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life at his home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your in John’s name.