Robert Gallegos

Robert J. Gallegos, 81, beloved husband, Dad, Papa, and son, was called to his eternal resting place on March 17, 2025. He was born on April 25, 1943 in Albuquerque, NM, to Marcial and Dolores Gallegos. He is survived by his son Ronny Gallegos and daughter-in-law Jenelle Gallegos, his daughter Judi Neish and son-in-law Will Neish, granddaughters Ava, Lila, and Tessa, and grandsons Cassius and Miles. Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Ella, his son, Robby, his parents, and his brothers, Desi and Andy. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 6 PM at FRENCH-Lomas (10500 Lomas Blvd. NE) in Albuquerque. He will buried at Mount Calvary Cemetary on Friday, April 11th at 10 AM.

Robert definitely enjoyed his "yah-ha!" time playing blackjack and taking long road trips, primarily to visit and support his kids. He loved his pets dearly and enjoyed Mariachi music. He always wanted to make others laugh, resorting to some silly and unforgettable antics. He enjoyed hunting and taking pictures, mostly of Ella, often to her annoyance.

Early in his career, Robert served in the US Air Force, proudly guarding aircraft near the Panama Canal. He was very proud of his time as a Sentry dog handler (handling his German Shepherd, Sputnik). He then joined the Albuquerque Police Department and retired after 20 years of being a patrolman. He carried his sense of humor into his work, making him an effective and respected officer. Robert's heroic efforts in a bank robbery while on the force were a source of pride for his family; this act now serves as a case study still currently used for cadet training in the APD Academy.

If you spent time with Robert, you found him to be talkative, thoughtful, funny, and a big fan of the movie "Zoot Suit." If you knew him well, you appreciated his strength, resiliency, generosity, and extreme tidiness. There was no one else quite like Robert...Bob...Roberto...Dad...Papa.