John Pompa

John Pompa, 75, a resident of Albuquerque for most of his life, died at home July 30, 2024 after a short but heroic fight with cancer.

John was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Pete and Charlotte Pompa on March 21, 1949. John served 2 years in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam.

John worked for many different auto body shops through the years: Ed Blacks, Galles Chevrolet, and Galles Melloy Nissan to name a few, until his retirement.

He loved building airplanes and then seeing his hard work and dedication fly. Sometimes, it seemed as though it was a contest to see who had the most planes.

He loved riding bikes for exercise and met some more long, lasting friends through the years. He also joined a group on "electric bikes" another sport, he completely enjoyed, the more friends and camaraderie he had. He truly loved his friends. John also loved his dogs.

John and his wife Peggy attended Sagebrush Church (Northeast Heights).

He is survived by his spouse of 44 years Peggy, his brother Ray (Paula) of Albuquerque, nieces Courtney and Lesley (Joe) and their children, Riley and Ben of Albuquerque, Linda Walker (Ronnie), niece Tanya Walker, all of Roswell, New Mexico, sister-in-law Jan Gossett of Los Lunas NM, stepson, Mike Zillmer (Sara) of Cottonwood, Arizona, grandson Cody Zillmer of Portland OR, step-granddaughters Kayter Zillmer, Maliah Martinez, (Travis) of Las Vegas, Nevada, great-granddaughter Sophia Martinez; stepdaughter Charlotte Swan, granddaughter Samantha Weisdack (Britt), and great-grandson Wendell of Wisconsin; cousin Donna Cain of Albuquerque and many more cousins; uncle Robert Smilley (Charlene) of Krebs, OK as well as so many wonderful friends from his world of remote control helicopters and airplanes.

Peggy wants to extend a special thank you to everyone that has helped through this difficult time, there are not enough words to express the gratitude and appreciation.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 12 at 9:00 am followed by funeral services at 10:00 am and a reception at FRENCH - Wyoming. John will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John's name to Animal Humane New Mexico 615 Virginia Street SE Albuquerque, NM 87107.