Johnny Domingo Lovato

Johnny Domingo Lovato was born to the union of Augustine and Esther Lovato on January 10, 1958 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  He was one of seven children who grew up in the South Valley affectionately known as “The Village.” Domingo attended Albuquerque Public Schools and graduated from Rio Grande High School, class of 1978. He continued his education at SIPI Technical School as an electrician and later was self employed as a tree cutter, roofer, carpenter and masonry.  Domingo was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sports, which included archery.

At an early age, he was baptized in Jesus Name under his grandfather, the late Bishop Otho Pettiford, Pastor of God’s House Church. As a young man, he received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He enjoyed working with his grandfather and uncle to build the addition onto God’s House Church at 2100 Arno in Albuquerque. He enjoyed singing in the choir at Apostolic Temple, where he gave us much to laugh about! Domingo and his cousins would always reserve a spot at Doc Longs Picnic Grounds for the annual church 4th of July picnic and was not considered the “Sultan of Swat” during the traditional, old men vs. young men softball game.

Domingo was well known for his quote, “I love my mom” and later in life he was the devoted caregiver of both his mom and dad until their deaths.

On Tuesday, March 12, 2019, Domingo lost his battle to a long-term illness, to which he fought a good fight and finished his course with his last audible words being, “let me go.”  He went from labor to reward and passed from this life to the next while surrounded by family, singing the songs of Zion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Augustine Lovato and two brothers, Diego and Arthur. He leaves behind to mourn 3 sisters, Jeannie Bailey of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Gail Fredia of Gilbert, Arizona; Nita Lovato of Chandler, Arizona; and one brother, Lincoln Cowan of Las Vegas, Nevada; 13 nieces and nephews, 25 great nieces and nephews, one aunt, Emma Pearson and one uncle, Timmy Pettiford and a host of family, saints, and friends.

The family would like to give special thanks to the many healthcare workers who attended to Domingo at Health South, Advanced Healthcare of Albuquerque, Presbyterian Hospital and Fresenius Kidney Care of Albuquerque. We would also like to give special thanks to Paul Mora, Domingo’s life-long friend who helped to extend his life, for which we are ever grateful.