Robert Louis Gabaldon

Robert L “Bob” Gabaldon

Known by his elders as Bobby, Bob was Born September 10, 1941 and died on Monday September 2, 2019. He was 77. He was the only child of TJ and Lucy Gabaldon, who both preceded him in death. Bob enjoyed a neat urban and rural upbringing in the 1940’s and 50’s, as an only child of professional parents, and being raised bilingual in english and spanish with very involved grandparents. He was a childhood polio survivor, had a love for speed shops and cars, and was a 1959 graduate of old Albuquerque High School. As a teen, Bob worked at Barbers Supermarket on Yale SE near his family home. He then attended University of Albuquerque, served in the Air National Guard during the 1960’s, and  worked at Sandia National Labs. Bob became a commercial real estate qualifying broker around 1970.  Also an entrepreneur, he was in the bar business with Nick Kapnison, Jimmy Matsoukas and Jim Doyle for over a decade. After retiring from real estate, Bob was the consignment sales manager at the Albuquerque Auto Auction – his perfect retirement gig. Active in the NM Corvette association in the 1960’s, Bob never lost his enjoyment of driving and appreciating Corvettes, as well as car races and classic cars.

Bob is survived by his sons Robert and Rodney, daughters-in-law Heather and Michael Ann, and his four beloved grandchildren: Sean, Ashley, Kaitlyn and Christopher.

He was formerly married to Molly Gabaldon, who he always remained friends, parents and grandparents with. He is also survived by his excellent friends, Salomon Montano and Richard Perea.

Dad enjoyed travel: Vegas, west coast beaches, cruises, Mexico.

He loved to “hit” Vegas and the west coast in the caddy or the vette, Sinatra style. He and mom took us kids everywhere when they traveled – so much fun traveling with Dad.

He was ever present as our Dad and for his grandkids. Always at events for school, sports, recognitions. Bob was a beaming and supportive Dad and Grandpa. Dad faced the disease of dementia with bravery and grace over recent years, and lived as full and independent of a life as possible. He enjoyed many coffees with friends at Starbucks, talking about cars, business and politics. His primary care Nurse, Christine Forsythe, will always have our gratitude. The Memory Care team at Avamere Rio Rancho is very special: Stephanie, Bree, Christian, Connor, Kaylee, Manny, Kayla, Latoya, Anna, Allie, Isaac, AJ, Renee, Gabe and Nurse Mary. Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter.

Pop the clutch, spin your vette’s tires. God Bless You!