Roman Gallegos was born on December 18, 1933, in Mountainair, New Mexico, to Mary Ballejos and Prudencio Gallegos. He was one of five children and grew up alongside his siblings, Adolph (Henrietta) Gallegos, Sally (Max) Tafoya, Cecilia (Lorenzo) Chavez, and Dolores (Phil) Lucero. Raised in a hardworking family of farmers and business owners, Roman often spoke fondly of his first job at the local movie theater in his hometown.

At the age of 17, Roman proudly enlisted in the United States Navy with a group of friends and served during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954. Following his military service, he remained in California, where he worked on a potato farm before attending barber school in Hollywood. After completing barber school, he began working for General Motors at the Van Nuys plant, where he helped build automobiles.

In 1963, Roman was set up on a blind date by a close friend. That evening, he met the love of his life, Brigida Guadalupe. They were married on April 18, 1964, in Pacoima, California. Roman and Lupe shared 62 gracious and loving years of marriage.

In 1970, Roman and his family moved back to Albuquerque to be closer to his aging mother. He attended drafting school and personally built his family’s home by hand. In 1973, he began his career with Albuquerque Public Schools. Starting in the carpentry department, Roman’s dedication and strong work ethic led him to become Supervisor of the Maintenance and Operations Department, a position he held until his retirement in 1996.

Roman embraced retirement wholeheartedly, traveling around the world with his beloved wife and siblings. He was known as the funniest grandpa in the world and found great joy in hunting with his nephews, camping, and spending time with friends and family.

Roman passed peacefully at home on February 24, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Nick and Prudencio, and his brother, Adolph. He is survived by his devoted wife, Brigida (Lupe); his daughter, Patricia; and his granddaughter, Amanda. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Pallbearers Rick Martinez Ed Lee Randy Chavez Joseph Romero Maggie Gallegos Rio Chavez-Cahn