Fred J. Montoya

With profound sadness and enduring love, we announce the passing of Fred J. Montoya who passed peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 85 on Monday, August 4, 2025, in Rio Rancho, NM. Fred was born April 6, 1940 to his mother, Rufina Rivera Montoya, and father, Espiridion Montoya, near San Ildefonso Pueblo at the foot of Black Mesa in northern New Mexico. He was a man of deep faith and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Porfiria; children, Frederic (Mary), Leroy (Denise), Ruth (Chris), Anna (Scott); grandchildren, Ben, Emma, Angela, Krista, Peyton, and Paige; step grandchildren, Ramona (Jed) and Nathan(Sarah); step great-grandchildren, Barrett, Ember, Elias, and Bodhi; dear brother, Paul (Stella); nephews and nieces

He was preceded in death by his parents Espiridion and Rufina Montoya; dear brother Gilbert; dear sisters Arabella, Marie, and Annie; his beloved pets Sara, Sherrie, and Sidney.

Fred was a sixth generation New Mexican who grew up on a small farm along the banks of the Rio Grande where he was born. He lived with his paternal grandparents (Jose Elfego, Maria Tiburcia) and cared for his grandfather until his death in 1957: milking the cows, starting the fire for the wood stove every morning, and getting up in the middle of the night to work the irrigation ditch to water the family’s crops. The time he spent with his grandfather instilled in Fred (and his siblings) a deep love and passion for storytelling, curiosity, and hard work.

Fred was united in marriage to Porfiria Valdez on November 16, 1963. Together, they shared 61 years of unwavering love, faith, and dedication to each other and their family.

In 1965, Fred was hired at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) as a computer operator in the CCF (Central Computing Facility). In 1968, the Montoyas moved to White Rock with the desire of providing the best opportunities for his young family. He valued education and he went back to school in 1974 while working full-time, 4 kids (ages 10, 8, 6, 3), and an ailing father. With the incredible support of his beloved Porfiria, Fred proudly became the first college graduate in his family when he graduated from The College of Santa Fe in 1975.

Fred worked at LANL for almost 30 years, supporting the operations for the early CRAY Supercomputers and working his way up to be an Operations Manager in C-1 - this included working various shifts day, evenings, and at night. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions. Fred retired in 1993 at age 54 which allowed him the opportunity to enjoy the things that mattered most.

He enjoyed fishing, reading, camping, and family vacations in his RV; but his favorite activity was supporting his UNM Lobos through heartbreaking seasons and historic victories - a true Lobo fan! He was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity, and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His curiosity, loyalty, and love for travel was something he shared with his children; his family finds comfort in knowing that their dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the memories that will be forever cherished.

The Montoya family deeply appreciates the support from extended family, friends, and the caregivers who provided comfort and care for him in the last part of his life, especially Gary Turcich and the caring staff at The Monarch.

A public viewing will be held Thursday 8/14/25 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Daniels Family Funeral Services, 4310 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124, followed by a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will take place at 12:00 p.m., Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124.

A reception honoring Fred's life, where we can share food and stories will begin at 1:00 p.m., The Oasis Event Center, 3700 Ellison Dr. NW Suite G, Albuquerque, NM 87114.