Joe “Jose Gato” Valdez, age 84, of Pena Blanca, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Joe was born on July 17, 1941, in Pena Blanca, New Mexico, to Enrique and Cruzita Valdez. He attended Bernalillo High School through the 11th grade and later earned his GED while proudly serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. Joe served four years as a Lance Corporal, including service during the Vietnam War.

On October 30, 1965, Joe married the love of his life, Mathilda C. Baca, in Pena Blanca, New Mexico. Together they shared 60 beautiful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

Joe dedicated much of his working life to Kaiser Gypsum at the pre-fab plant and worked as a construction sheet rocker. He was a proud member of the Carpenters’ Union. His strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family were evident in everything he did.

He was a devoted member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, where his faith remained an important part of his life.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Enrique and Cruzita Valdez; his sisters, Lisaida Ortiz and Esther Lujan; his brothers, Andres Valdez, and Celedonio Valdez; his daughter, Debora Valdez; his infant son, Baby Joseph Kenneth Valdez; his nephews, Henry Ortiz and Alfred Sena; and his grandson, Andres Marcelino Valdez.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mathilda “Chickie” Valdez of Pena Blanca, NM; his sons, Joseph Patrick Valdez of Pena Blanca, NM, and Abram Valdez of Rio Rancho, NM; his sister, Betty Dominguez of Pena Blanca, NM; his niece and nephew, Rosabell Sena and Gary Sena of Albuquerque, NM; and numerous nieces and nephews including Rosemary Roybal of Pena Blanca, NM; Patsy Myers of California; Beatrice Lujan of California; Raymond Lujan of California; Henry Dominguez; Theresa Cordova; Jeannette Lovato; Lenore Valdez; and Lucretia Valdez, along with many more great-nieces and great-nephews; sisters-in-law, Marcia Tindel of Texas, Caroline (Avery) Reed of California and New Mexico, and Bernadette (Isaac) Lucero of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Joe was also blessed with grandchildren: Abram Valdez Jr., Isaiah Valdez, Elijah Valdez, Xavier Valdez, Zayden Valdez, and Heaven Valdez; and great-grandchildren: Khelani, Lili, Xaylee, and Everleigh.

A Funeral Service will be held at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Catholic Parish in Pena Blanca on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at the Pena Blanca Cemetery.

Joe will be remembered for his strength, his devotion to family, his faithful service to his country, and the love he shared with all who knew him.