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Joe (Jose) Sanchez Gabaldon, a resident of Albuquerque, unexpectedly passed away on October 5, 2005 while doing what he loved most, farming with his son, David, in the historic fields of his childhood in Los Chavez. He was 82. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Emilia; sons John, and wife Joey, of San Diego, and David, of Los Chavez; daughters Mary-Cecilia Sedillo, of Atlanta, Theresa Whiteley, and husband Brett, of San Diego, and Becky, of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Cole, Scott, Diana, and Aaron; dozens of nephews and nieces; cousins and many friends. Joe was the last remaining family member of seven brother and sisters and parents, Juan and Maria Gabaldon of Los Chavez. Joe was also preceded in death by his son, Michael, and by his grandson, Ryan. Joe Gabaldon was born in Los Chavez, New Mexico, in 1923. He quit high school to join the Navy and was a gunner on a warship in the Pacific during World War II. He spent several years in the Navy and then transferred into the Air Force where he made a career as an ordinance specialist. Tech Sergeant Gabaldon was singled out and praised for his outstanding performance as shop leader by his commanding officer during a recent squadron reunion. Joe moved his family to military bases in Great Falls, Montana, Denver, Colorado, Williams Air Force Base, Arizona and then to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, where he retired in 1963. He attended Albuquerque TVI and became a machinist, but left that profession saying he couldn't stand in one place all day long. He worked construction as a laborer and garnered many praises and awards for his work ability and ethic. Joe kept a life-long devotion to his community where he volunteered at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, San Jose Parish, Mountain View Community volunteer fire-fighter, and St. Vincent De Paul. Joe was a lector at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, and both a lector and Eucharistic Minister at San Jose Parish. His first love was God and his faith in our Blessed Mother. He was an inspiration to others. Joe retired in 1984 to spend time with family, and to work on the family farm in Los Chavez, where he had played and labored as a child. While irrigating his fields in the Rio Grande Valley, on a perfect New Mexico Fall day, he went home. A Rosary will be recited on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. at San Jose Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. also at San Jose Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Services are in the care of: GARCIA MORTUARY 717 Stover Ave. S.W. 243-5222
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