Anselmo Montoya

Montoya, Anselmo J.

Anselmo J. Montoya, 97, went to his eternal reward on June 26, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Margaret, and his son Arthur and a large extended family. Anselmo, is a Purple Heart recipient and a longtime member of Queen of Heaven Parish.

Anselmo Montoya was born to Patricia and Josepha Sandoval in Cuba, New Mexico.  He and his sister, Katie, are the only living children. Anselmo lived a long and fulfilled life.  He celebrated his 97th birthday with members of his family just two days before he died on June 26, 2019.

Anselmo volunteered for the Air Force and served as gunman in the Second World War.  His plane crashed when it was shot down over Germany.  This resulted in his being taken as a prisoner of war.  When the plane crashed, Anselmo’s back and legs were injured from which he suffered all his life.  He and his fellow prisoners were beaten several times by the enemy soldiers but they were able to survive.  At the end of the war his brother, Antonio’s army company liberated Anselmo’s group, but the brothers never saw each other.  For his bravery Anselmo received the Purple Heart.

Anselmo returned to Albuquerque and married Margaret Chavez. Anselmo worked as a certified public accountant at New Mexico Title for many years.

Anselmo and Margaret experienced a happy life for 71 years. They raised two children, Arthur and Susan.  Susan died in 2001 after a severe illness.

Anselmo attended daily mass at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and with his wife was a member of the Altar Rosary Society.  Because of his extensive church work, Anselmo received the St. Francis Award from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

Anselmo and Margaret enjoyed dancing both square dancing and ballroom dancing.  In Albuquerque they were surrounded by many relatives for many social gatherings.

A Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 11, 2019 from 4:00-6:00 pm followed by a Rosary at 6:00 pm at Daniels Family Funeral Services Carlisle Chapel, 3113 Carlisle Blvd. NE. A Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 12, 2019 at 10:00 am At Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5303 Phoenix Ave NE, with burial to follow at Gate of Heaven. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com