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SENA -- John Sena, age 60, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and teacher passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 16, 2009 following a courageous battle against cancer. John was born on December 15, 1948 in Anton Chico, New Mexico to Jose and Socorro Sena. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Lillian; daughter, Debbie Sena Johnson; son in law, Adrian; granddaughter, Angela (his pride and joy, whom she called "papa"); his mother Socorro Sena; his brothers Essel, Jim, and Joe; sisters, Viola, Elma, Maggie and Lydia; and many nieces and nephews. His family moved to Albuquerque in 1956; he was an Albuquerque High School bulldog and graduated in 1966 where he lettered in track and field. John served his country proudly as a Specialist in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. Mr. Sena received a Bachelors degree in Education from Highlands University. He was a physical education teacher and was known as Coach Sena. John was a teacher to thousands of students whose lives he touched in profound ways. He taught for 35 years in the Albuquerque Public School System. He started teaching in 1973 at Riverview Elementary then taught at Garfield Middle School and Carlos Rey Elementary. He coached basketball and softball. He retired in 2008, but intended to return to teaching. He and his wife were avid Lobo fans. His passions were watching Lobo football and womens basketball teams, teaching P.E. and being a great husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to everyone he met. Visitation will be Sunday, June 21, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 5415 Fortuna Rd. NW, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. by Viola Sena Castro. Final visitation will be Monday, June 22, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., at the Church, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:00 a.m., Father Gene Gries, presider. Committal Service will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with military honors. The family requests contributions and donations be made to the U.N.M. Childrens Cancer center. Arrangements by: Gabaldon Mortuary 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW 243-7861 www. gabaldonmortuaryinc.com
        Published on: Sun June 21, 2009