Nel DeLaO

Nel De La O, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away from Alzheimer’s on May 4, 2020, in Albuquerque, NM at the age of 81.

Nel (Aguinaldo) was born to Rafael and Erminia De La O in Garfield, NM on April 15, 1939. He was raised in Hatch, NM and was a long time resident of Albuquerque.  He married Lala Zamora, the love of his life, in June of 1960.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rafael and Erminia De La O , and his wife Lala of 30 years.

He is survived by his four children: Ralph De La O, Christine Lohkamp and her husband David, Karla Castro and her husband Steve, and Peter De La O; his grandchildren: Cortney Hamilton and her husband Eric, Jordan Buster and her husband Miles, Tyler and Ryan De La O, and Emily and Josh Castro; his great-grandchild: Andrew Hamilton;  his brother: Valentino De La O; and his sisters: Sophie Castillo, Belen Sanchez, and Rachel Montoya.

Nel was an accomplished musician who taught himself to play guitar at a very young age. He performed in the 60's and 70's, with his brother, Valentino, at local clubs, on television, and produced an album, “Meet the De La O Brothers”. He was an entrepreneur and owned Quick Bail Bonds in the 70's and 80's. He was also known for his adventures in the bar and restaurant industry.  His career also included selling cars and insurance. To say Nel could do anything he set his mind to was an understatement.  He was deeply loved and will be missed.

If anyone wishes to pay their respects, there will be a come and go visitation at Daniel's Funeral Home at 7601 Wyoming Blvd. on Friday May 8th from 1-5 pm.  Due to COVID-19, no more than 5 people will be allowed entrance at any given time. This will be a brief come and go time for family and close friends.  Please continue to pray for the family as we grieve.