Stephen Matthew Gallegos

GALLEGOS, Stephen Matthew Gallegos, 53, passed away quietly last week at his residence in Sandia Park, New Mexico. Stephen was born on June 1, 1957 in Santa Fe, NM to his loving parents Frank Macario and Mary Louise Gallegos. Stephen was two years old when his parents moved to Albuquerque where he was raised and educated with his brothers and sisters. Stephen graduated from Manzano High School in Albuquerque in May 1974. He was also a graduate of the University of New Mexico where he was a true Lobo fan. Stephen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and two Master of Arts degrees in English and Literature. Stephen was highly committed to his profession as an educator for the past 25 years. He always worked to inspire his students to pursue their dreams through education. Stephen was a full-time faculty member at Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque for the past 14 years. Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Frank M. Gallegos. He is survived by his mother, Mary L. Gallegos who resides in Belen, NM, three brothers; Frank J. Gallegos and his wife Marta of Carlsbad, NM, John C. Gallegos of Edgewood, NM and Vincent J. Gallegos and his wife Candy of Concord, California. Three sisters; Justina C. Montoya and her husband Manuel of Belen, NM, Felicia M. Hall and her husband Roy of Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany and Ruthie R. Black of Albuquerque. Stephen has 8 nephews and 5 nieces as well as one grand nephew and one grand niece. He is also survived by his former wife, Debbie Gallegos and daughter, Dasha Wilson of Santa Fe, NM. Stephen was a kind, compassionate and loving son and brother who will be greatly missed by all of those who loved and cherished his presence in their lives. Stephen loved the vistas of the Sandia Mountains, reading and writing and he was an avid sports fan. His life long accomplishments as an educator, scholar and a writer will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him. His personal belief and legacy to us all in his own words are, “There is no greater achievement in life than to experience personal freedom in work, leisure and living in the richness of the mind.” Stephen will live on, in our family’s hearts forever. A memorial service to celebrate Stephen’s life will be held at Daniels Family Funeral Service Carlisle Chapel at 3113 Carlisle Boulevard, NE., on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at 4:00 pm. A private Catholic mass will be scheduled in Albuquerque at a later date. Please share your condolences, sympathies and memories with the family at: www.danielsfuneral.com