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MONTOYA, FATHER JUAN OFM (JOHNNY) 72 of Albuquerque NM passed away January 31, 2013. He was well known and beloved by many friends and family. Father Juan was born in Magdalena NM on August 20, 1940, studied at Mount Carmel Seminary in Santa Fe, then entered the Franciscan Order as a friar in 1959. Serving as a friar in many capacities, he was a gourmet chef, spending seven years with St Michaels and the Navajos in Arizona and in New Mexico. He studied at Duns Scotus College and at Pope John XXIII Seminary and was ordained a Franciscan Priest on May 10th 1980 at Holy Family Parish in Albuquerque NM. Any description of Father Juan's accomplishments would be understated. But to name a few, Father Juan became a popular "Priest-of-the People" serving in parishes in Clovis, Portales and Roswell. He also served as the Director of new seminarian formation program in Denver Colorado and upon "retirement" in 2011 served at Immaculate Conception Church parish in Alamogordo NM. He began another new ministry serving the extremely poor through an organization called "Food for the Poor", and began traveling around the United States to raise money. Father Juan is survived by his seven siblings: Gloria and husband Manuel Perales, Richard and wife Rita Cordova, Marie and husband Pete Montoya, Joseph and wife Lorraine Cordova, Mike and wife Juanita Cordova, Eileen and husband Jesse Montano, and Donald and wife Sylvia Cordova; and his 76 nieces, nephews & grands. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Eva Montoya-Cordova and his extended family: Sylvester Montoya, Rafaela Montoya, Ben Montoya, Willie Montoya, Stella Otero, Adam Montoya, and his twin brother Daniel. He leaves behind many loving friends and family too numerous to mention who will miss him greatly. The family would like to express appreciation to the many people who have contacted the family to express their condolences and their support. A Rosary and Eulogy service will be held Sunday February 3, 2013 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, at Holy Family Church at 536 Atrisco SW. A viewing will be held Monday February 4, 2013 at 9:00am and a gathering of friends and family for Mass will be held at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church, with interment at Calvary Cemetery.
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