John Guzman

John Edward Guzman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was called to his eternal rest on November 12, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 1, 1936, to Manuel Francisco Guzman and Jennie Chavez Guzman as the youngest of three sons. He married the love of his life, Helen McMahan, whom he lovingly called "Lillian", on March 19, 1960. They were married 64 years. Along the way they were blessed with 8 children.

He was a dedicated student beginning with his graduation from St. Mary's High School in 1954. John then went on to achieve his BA degrees in Biology and Education from Saint Michael's College, followed by his Master's degree in Education Administration from the UTEP. He culminated his education with a PhD in Education Administration from Washington State University.

John had an impressive professional career. He worked as the Director of the High School Equivalency Program at UTEP. He then was the Director of Teacher Corp./Peace Corp. at Washington State University. Following that, he worked as the Director of Teacher Corp. with Trinity University. John was then a Director of Migrant Programs with the State of Texas. He finalized his career as Administrator with the State of New Mexico Department of Health.

His athletic career started in High School and continued through college, playing Basketball. In 1956 he was Athlete of the Year for the State of New Mexico. Two years later, 1958, he was the Junior National Champion of the 200 Meter Butterly Men's Swimming (Denver, CO). In 1960 he was Fourth in the U.S. Army Olympic Swim Team and a triple gold medal winner. He remained a member of the U.S. Army Olympic Swim Team until 1962. In 1961, he was the International Military Championships (Swimming) in Sonthofen, Germany. Between 199 and 2016, he earned numerous gold medals in the Texas and New Mexico Senior Olympics. In 2007, John was inducted into the El Paso Senior Games Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Helen; his children, Laura (Eddie), John (Peggy), Tim (Kathy), Helene Guzman-Reiff, Darrell (Estella), Brian (Elke), Paula (Andres); grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Rebekah, and Benjamin Cavazos, Parick and Timothy Guzman, Andrea, Nicholas, and Samuel Reiff, Izabella Guzman, Maddilyn, Sophia, and Charles Garcia; great grandchildren, Tinsley and Liam Cavazos, Claire and Jonah Cavazos, and Maisy Sage Reiff; brother, Manuel; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded by his parents; brother, A.B. Guzman; niece Kelly Rose; and daughter Cristina Marie.

A Rosary will be held 10 am November 20, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 am. Burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.

His wisdom, humor, and true perseverance will live on through his family, his greatest legacy.

 In lieu of flowers we would like people to please donate to Immigrant Services in care of Catholic Charities https://www.ccasfnm.org/immigration.html