David Gallegos

David Gallegos, 81, Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 27, 2011. David was born on March 15, 1930, in Jemez, NM, and was a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, NM. David served in the US Army during the Korean War, where he began operating heavy equipment. He continued as a crane operator for decades playing a key role in building most of the major structures in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. In 1963, while building the Federal Building on 5th and Gold, he was highly recognized for heroically saving his crew, his project, and his equipment by grounding an out of control 900 lb. bucket of concrete, while having the awareness to stabilize his sinking crane. David retired from Sandia National Laboratories in 1996, and remained busy as a part-time Sales Rep for Zangara Dodge traveling New Mexico and surrounding communities. David was a devoted and unwavering Dallas Cowboy fan who also had a lifelong passion for auto racing, Do It Yourself projects, and keeping up with current events and world issues.
David is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lucy Gallegos, whom he met at the age of 16, sons David Gallegos Jr., Tommy Gallegos, daughters Sandi Baca and husband Jim, Carol Aguilar and husband Joey, Patricia Martinez and Denise Polaco; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; sisters Beulah Mora, Doris Zamora and husband Frank, Carmen Vanderpool; Bertha Trujillo and husband Greg and numerous other family and friends. David is preceded in death by his parents Ben and Reyna Gallegos; son Jerry Gallegos; daughters Jane Ghahate and Darlene Gallegos; grandson Tommy Gallegos; brothers Clifford Gallegos and Louie Gallegos. David was loved more than he could imagine, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A Rosary will be recited, Garcia Mortuary in the Chapel of on Tuesday August 2, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.; Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church, 562 Atrisco Dr. SW on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 9:00 am; Inurnment to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. David's care has been entrusted to: Garcia Mortuary, 717 Stover Ave. SW. Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-243-5222