Jose Nasario Vargas

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jose Nasario Vargas, age 92, on Saturday, December 17, 2022 in Albuquerque, NM. He was born Friday, November 28, 1930. He was preceded in death by his parents, Altagracia and Jesse Vargas; his life time partner, Emma Gabaldon; and three sons, Victor, Gilbert, Peter; and daughter-in-law, Jeanette Vargas. He outlived all of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Angela Garcia and wife Teresa Trujillo; grandchildren, Danene Reeves and husband Cory Reeves, Adrienne Garcia, August Vargas, Jesus Vargas, Venessa Sandoval, and great-granddaughter, Felicia Garcia. Jose loved people and was a social butterfly. At 92, he was still going to dances, fiestas, casinos, and more. He loved to hang out at the senior centers and play pool and he tried to never miss lunch with his peers. Jose knew no strangers and loved to go to Old Town and talk to tourists about our beautiful city and state. He was a great storyteller. He especially loved to tell people how old he was because he was still so active. Jose was born in Endee, New Mexico, he then got married and lived in Tucumcari, New Mexico until 1968 when the family moved to Albuquerque to pursue more opportunities for his family. Jose was a chef and worked in environmental services at the University of New Mexico. He has traveled the world with his companion of 30 years, Emma Gabaldon who passed one year ago, (the day after Christmas). He will truly be missed. Pallbearers will be Cory Reeves, Jesus Vargas, Ronnie Santillanes, Fitzgerald Garcia, Martin Recio, and Jonathan Triana.