Paul Anthony Montoya

The Lord called Paul home on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 after bravely and courageously battling cancer.  Paul (59) was the youngest of five children born to Walter and Erlinda Montoya in Albuquerque, NM.  He is survived by his beloved mother Erlinda Montoya, dear siblings Dianne Montoya Brown and Mark Montoya (Dianne), special companion Crystal Howard, daughter Paula Montoya, nieces and nephews Angelique Montoya-Chavez (Salvador), Richard (Ricky) Montoya (Suzette), Adam Carter, and great nieces and nephews Jarred Chavez, Savaughna Chavez, Shaylene Porter and Elijah Montoya, many extended family members and close friends.  He was preceded in death by his father Walter Montoya, brothers Richard Montoya and David Montoya, paternal grandparents Geronimo and Lucia Montoya of Bernalillo and maternal grandparents Teofilo and Magdalena Montoya of Albuquerque.

Paul attended La Luz Elementary, Taft Mid School and Valley High School.  He worked in different fields including security, construction, and as a cook.  Paul enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, woodworking and gardening.  He had beautiful shrubs, plants and flowers in his yard and home.  He would pot some and give them to family and friends.  Paul also enjoyed training and playing with his dog Bella and has raised and trained a variety of dog breeds over the years.

 Paul was his own person, very outspoken and lived his life his way.  Paul liked to kid around with everyone and had a great sense of humor.  Paul was also very generous; he would give the shirt off his back if someone needed one.  He was also spiritual and even played Jesus during a Station of the Cross service one Good Friday at St. Therese Church.

The family would like to thank Hospice of New Mexico for the wonderful care they gave Paul during the past few months, especially Veronica, Dottie and Becki.  He looked forward to their visits and gave them all a hard time.

The family would also like to give a big thank you to Paul’s special friend Crystal, who helped care for him.  She was very patient and knew how to make him laugh. 

A Rosary will be recited at 8:30am on Friday, November 10, 2023, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:00am at St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church, 3424 Fourth St. NW.  Reception will follow at the parish hall. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Montoya, Ricky Montoya, Salvador Chavez and Adam Carter.