Elias “Benny” Gallegos passed away on August 11th, 2017.  He was one of the few among us born on Leap Year, February 29th, 1948 in the Village of Agua Fria. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1966 and went on to graduate with his Bachelor of Arts from the College of Santa Fe, with honors, Magna Cum Laude.  Benny completed a tour of duty at the height of the Vietnam War.  For two years he served as a Medic in the 1st Calvary Division of the US Army.  He married Mary Sanchez prior to departing to Basic Training for Vietnam, and enjoyed 39 years of marriage until she passed away in 2004. In addition, he retired from the Energy and Minerals Department of NM State Government after 40 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents Melisendro and Senaida Gallegos, his beloved Mary Sanchez, his brothers Freddie Gallegos and Phillip Gallegos, and his in-laws: Lupe and Emma Sanchez, Charlotte Sanchez, Chris Sanchez, and David King.

He is survived by his beloved children: Elias Gallegos, Lenore Gallegos and grand daughter Marijke; his brothers: Jimmy Gallegos (Toni Ann), Jerry Gallegos (Helen), Johnny Gallegos and Rubel Gallegos (Alice); his sisters: Connie Prada, Tessie Montano, Olivia Chavez (Salvador); in-laws: Lupe Sanchez, Ida Pacheco, Cecilia Pacheco, Della De Baca, Dr. Irene Sanchez, Angie Ozuna (Ted), Jackie Sanchez, Jeanie Apodaca (Mickey), his companion Valerie Fisher (Nicholas) and many nieces, nephews, god children, relatives and friends,

Benny was big hearted, always the life of the party, generous, kind, thoughtful, intelligent, hard working.  He had an infectious smile, was quick with his jokes, always looked for ways to lend a helping hand which made him instantly friends with everyone he met. He enjoyed riding his bike daily to stay fit, and had become a regular at the Chavez Center. He loved Santa Fe, it’s majestic sunsets, classic cars, a lover of philosophy and had a genuine interest in the cosmos. Benny spoiled his family and everyone close to his heart; and we are all certainly grateful for receiving the gifts of his love. He leaves behind many cherished memories, a life well-lived and a legacy of being a genuine, loving person.

Services will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church with Viewing at 6pm and Rosary at 7:30pm on Monday, August 21, and the Funeral Mass on Tuesday, August 22 at 10 am, burial at the Veterans Cemetery at 12:45p and a reception at St. Anne's Reception Hall following the burial.  Pall Bearers are Daniel Chavez, Raymond Prada, Tomas Montano, Nick Pacheco, Francisco Sanchez, Joey Apodaca, Timo Ozuna and Jake Trujillo. Honorary pall bearers: Matias Montano, Mel Prada, and Rick C de Baca. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Benny’s name to: support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate

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