Jerry Eugene Gallegos of Ojo Sarco, New Mexico passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by those who loved him. Born on December 29, 1955, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Jerry’s life was a testament to dedication, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to family and community.

Throughout his long and accomplished career, Jerry distinguished himself with a strong work ethic and steadfast reliability. He began working at Los Alamos National Laboratory in September 1977, where he spent many years as a Laborer and in other skilled trades positions. Jerry was also a proud Teamster for a portion of his career, retiring from that role in 2006. He later performed environmental cleanup and recycling projects, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to take on new challenges. Through diligence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his work, Jerry earned the position of Operating Engineers Foreman in 2011. He proudly served in that role until his retirement from Los Alamos National Laboratory in February 2018. No matter the demands placed upon him, whether facing early mornings or the aches that came with hard labor, he approached each workday with a positive spirit, never complaining and greeting every day with a smile.

Jerry was well known for his keen intellect, especially in numbers, taxes, and accounting. Attributes he honed as a largely self-taught individual. His ability to quickly learn new skills served him well throughout his professional and personal pursuits.

An avid outdoorsman, Jerry relished time spent fly fishing in Tres Ritos, El Valle, and Santa Barbara. He found solace and adventure in deer hunting the surrounding mountains, drawing inspiration from the beauty and resilience of nature. His commitment to his outdoor lifestyle was further reflected in the care and enjoyment he took from tending to his garden with his wife, with pansies among their favorite flowers. The couple’s shared love of flora is fondly remembered in a humorous family story: Jerry was once found diligently watering a fake flower, only realizing its true nature upon noticing its unchanging appearance.

Music was another passion. Jerry was, for a time, a member of a local band with Merlin Trujillo, sharing his talents on the guitar, bass, trumpet, and vocals. His warmth and charisma endeared him to many, both in and out of the musical realm.

Jerry was a devout Catholic, attending church in Truchas for many years with his wife, and later in Santa Cruz, deepening their faith together.

Jerry’s character was marked by kindness, humor, and generosity, qualities that resonated with all who met him. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, regardless of who needed it. Renowned for his friendliness, Jerry developed strong bonds within his community, often stopping to chat with neighbors and friends while running errands or picking up the newspaper. He and his wife found joy in simple pleasures, such as completing newspaper puzzles together.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jerry's greatest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine Gallegos; his daughters, Lorrie Jackson (Jim) and Angelica Gallegos (Kevin Cassada); and his beloved grandchildren, Michael, Angelina, Jaden, Coral, Melanie, Alma-Grace, and Camila. Jerry was a constant source of love, strength, and encouragement, always putting his family's needs before his own and ensuring his daughters had every opportunity to succeed. He took immense pride in their accomplishments, especially their pursuit of higher education and the successful careers they built, and he remained their unwavering source of love and support throughout their lives. Jerry's love for his children also included his beloved son, James Gallegos, who passed away at a young age. The loss of James was one Jerry carried with him throughout his life. He loved his son beyond measure, thought of him every day, and found comfort in his faith and the hope that they would one day be reunited. Jerry cherished each of his grandchildren and loved them deeply. Though distance meant he could not spend as much time with Michael, Angelina, Jaden, Coral, and Alma-Grace, they were always in his thoughts and close to his heart. He also played a special role in caring for his young granddaughters, Melanie and Camila. They loved spending time with their grandpa, whether playing together, going shopping, or working alongside him in the garden planting flowers. These simple moments brought Jerry great joy and created treasured memories that will remain in their hearts. His love, wisdom, and gentle presence will continue to live on through the family he cherished so deeply.

Jerry also leaves behind his sisters, Mary Ann Guerrero (Ernest) and Cecelia Gurule (Andres); many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members; as well as cherished neighbors and dear friends. He formed lasting friendships wherever he went and was known for his kindness, generosity, and warm smile. Jerry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for a life well lived, defined by love, laughter, unwavering integrity, and devotion to his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, James Gallegos; brother, Leonard Gallegos (Edna); sister, Shirley Gallegos-Rodriguez; his parents, Flavio and Dorothy Gallegos; his grandmother, Martina Armijo; his aunt, Esther Martinez; grandfather, Federico Gallegos; and grandmother, Elita Gallegos.

Meticulous in his appearance and humble in his nature, Jerry carried himself with dignity and kindness. Whether he was caring for his family, helping a friend, tending his garden, casting a fishing line, or sharing a laugh with a neighbor, he left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the countless lives he touched with his generosity, wisdom, unwavering devotion, and quiet strength.

Services celebrating Jerry’s life will begin with a viewing at Rivera Family Funeral Home on Tuesday July 21, 2026, from 4:00p.m. to 5:00p.m., immediately followed by a Rosary from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Parish in Chimayo, New Mexico, on Wednesday July 22, 2026, from 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m., with burial to follow at Trampas Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jaden Jackson, Antonio Gallegos, Donald Gallegos, Derrick Rodriguez, Donavan Gallegos, and Fredrick Gallegos.

The family of Mr. Gallegos have entrusted the caring professionals at Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola to support them during this time. We offer our heartfelt condolences to all.