Joe Calixtro Montoya Jr.

It is with deep sorrow to announce Joe (Joey) C Montoya Jr has lost his battle to cancer on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Joey will be remembered by many with great fondness. He was a friendly and a hardworking man who treated everyone he had come in contact with great respect. He had an open way about him. Joey grew up on a small farm with his 8 siblings. He was a farmer, gifted metal fabricator and welder. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe C and Rosita (Baca) Montoya, and his daughter Denise Marie Montoya. He is survived by his children Michele Montoya Hefter, Joelynn and Joe C Montoya III and his grandchildren Chanel and Caden Hefter. His siblings are Barbara (Walter) McLain, Pete (Maria) Montoya, Mary (Martin) North, Julia (Norton) Euart, Anthony (Bernadette) Montoya, Cecilia (Henry) Montoya, Nick (April) Montoya, and Lorraine (Ruben) Archuleta, and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his loving girlfriend Marie Varela.

Joey graduated from Socorro High School in 1970. After graduation he attended TVI in Albuquerque, NM for his welding certification. He then enlisted in the US Navy to serve our country with great pride and respect from 9/28/1971 through 7/9/1975. He was stationed in Diego Garcia, a US Navy Support Facility for most of his deployment as a Seabee. He returned home and began working for Grefco and then onto NMT TERA/EMRTC as a certified welder for many years. He enjoyed riding his motorcycles, his bicycle around town and walking his dogs. He had a hop in every step he took. He loved sports, playing mush ball, basketball and watching football with friends and family. Joey loved his family and was strong in his faith as a member of the San Miguel Catholic Church. Joey would gather family and friends to train for the pilgrimage walks from Socorro to Polvadera Church, Magdalena to San Miguel Church, and a self-achievement of a 100-mile pilgrimage walk to Santuario de Chimayo during the Easter Season. He was also a Grand Knight with the local Knights of Columbus Chapter.

Pallbearers: Anthony Montoya, Nick Montoya, Pete Montoya, Joey Montoya III, Caden Hefter, George Murillo, Sammy Montoya, Gilbert Montoya. Honorary Pallbearers: Barbara McLain, Mary North, Julia Euart, Cecilia Montoya, Lorraine Archuleta, Joelynn Montoya, Michele Montoya Hefter, Chanel Hefter and Marie Varela.

Services for Joe C Montoya Jr will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Rosary at 9:30 am, Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at Old San Miguel Church, 403 El Camino Real St., Socorro, NM 87801. Burial to follow at the La Sagrada Familia Cemetery, Lemitar, NM 87823.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his honor to the Knights of Columbus Council #2664, P O Box 344, Socorro, NM 87801.