Carlos Antonio Gallegos

Carlos Antonio Gallegos, 87, of Santa Fe passed away peacefully on Monday May 16, 2022. He was born to the late Francisco Arturo Gallegos and Ramona Gallegos, the youngest of three brothers, on June 5, 1934 in Las Vegas NM. He grew up in Cleveland, NM and attended elementary school in Santa Fe, eventually graduating from St. Michael’s High School in 1951 at the age of 16.  He went on to work for the National Forest Service.  Subsequently, he went to work at the New Mexico Highway Department and completed surveys for roads and highways. He then attended New Mexico State University and received his BA in Accounting in 1959.

With University degree in hand, he got hired by the NM Welfare Department, where he met Sophia, his future wife, and it was love at first sight. They were married in 1961. He was also a member of the US Army Reserves and was called to duty just 6 months later to serve in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Carlos was a devout Catholic and a man of strong character. He possessed a good work ethic, often working several jobs to make ends meet and to allow Sophia to stay home and raise their three children. He advanced his career, culminating in a top administrative position at the New Mexico State Land Office, when he retired in 1982. Being an active member of the community, he was a member of the Elks Lodge and he ran and was elected and re-elected to the Santa Fe City Council, a position he held for 10 year                            

Carlos always put others before himself. He was stead-fast, trustworthy, a man of high integrity with a strong sense of justice. This was prevalent throughout his career and his life.  He was gentle, loving and generous to those fortunate enough to know him. He was well-versed in current affairs, politics, real estate, taxes, insurance and investments; he provided sage advice and wise counsel to his family, friends and extended family, always willing to help others succeed and do well in life.

Carlos is preceded in death by Fransisco A. Gallegos (Father), Carla Gallegos (daughter), Frank Gallegos (brother), Ramona Gallegos (Mother) and Rafael Gallegos (brother), Patrick Casey (cousin) as well as grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.                                

Carlos is survived by his bride of 61 years, Sophia Gallegos; his eldest son Anthony (Gail Gallegos); his daughter Suzanne (James Bars); his four grandchildren Dominic Gallegos, Bryce Gallegos, Mercedes Bars, Sissy Vanderzanden; his two great grandchildren, Oliver Gallegos and Silas Bars.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Elizabeth’s Shelter, Pete’s Place, Santa Fe Animal Shelter or your favorite charity.

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