Gabriel Papponi

Gabriel Papponi, age 83, a resident of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, entered into eternal rest on June 16, 2023.

Gabriel is survived by his wife of 61 years, Paula Papponi, his children, Louis Papponi (Brenda Martinez), Janice Martinez (Robert Martinez), and Adrienne Campbell (Richard Campbell), his five grandchildren, Alyssa, Nicholas (Angel Griego), Louis, Myles, and Alexander and by many other beloved relations and friends.

Gabriel was born in the Friulian region of Italy in 1940 and came to the United States at the age of five years old. He lived in Queens and Long Island, New York before moving to New Mexico in 1979. Gabriel was a lifelong student and teacher of History. He began his career in New York City and completed it in New Mexico. Gabriel positively impacted the lives of countless students at the middle school, high school and university levels throughout his decades-long career. He was fond of doo-wop music, cheese ravioli and the New York Yankees. Gabe will be remembered as a gentle soul with a sweet smile and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Rosary will be prayed at Daniels Family Funeral Services - Sara Chapel in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, on Thursday, June 22nd, 2023 at 6:00pm. Visitation will begin at 5:30pm. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 23rd, 2023, at 11:00am at St. John Vianney in Rio Rancho, NM. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven cemetery in Albuquerque, NM. A Reception will also take place on Friday at M'Tucci's Moderno in Rio Rancho at 3:00pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the New Mexico chapter of the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org/newmexico) in lieu of flowers.