John Benedict Montoya

COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENT

John Benedict Montoya, a long life resident of El Valle de Arroyo Seco, NM, passed away peacefully on August 30th, 2025. John was born in Espanola and was the third born child to Juan and Isabel Montoya. 

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Abel and Eva Montoya of Nambe, his maternal grandparents Ascension and Esther Martinez of Cuarteles, father Juan Elizario Montoya and mother Isabel Martinez Montoya of El Valle de Arroyo Seco, and in-laws Rudolfo and Maria Tommie Martinez of Chimayo. 

John is survived by his wife, Loyola Montoya, sisters Irina (Jeff) Salazar and Carla Montoya-Rivera, brothers Harry (Doris) Montoya and Harold (Swanne) Montoya, nephews Harry Brian Montoya, Angelo Montoya, and Elizario Rivera, nieces Livia Reece, Roberta Montoya, Sophia Rivera, and Cayla Rivera, grandnephews, grandnieces, a great nephew and numerous cousins and relatives. 

John was a graduate of Espanola Valley High School, Class of 1981. After graduation, John worked for a contractor building homes where he developed an interest in home improvement projects and construction. He also worked for Upper Crust pizza where he later became known for mastering the perfect pizza dough which he was so proud of. He worked at the Copper Kettle in Santa Fe and became a pool shark while taking classes at the then Technical Vocational Institute (currently NNMC) in Espanola studying refrigeration and air conditioning. John was the only lefty (left-hand) of the family, but he adapted well in a world that made tools for right handed people. He was a self taught electrician, plumber, and cabinetmaker who had an eye for art and design. He built beautiful shelves, among other things, and never skimped on the perfect materials. John was a great cook and made the best red chile in town. He was a musician and played guitar solos just like the great musicians. John never hesitated to help family and friends on home improvement projects, both indoor and outdoor, or fixing cars. His work was custom made and tailored, adding in the best suggestions to make a masterpiece. His numerous completed construction projects will be enjoyed by many family and friends for years to come. 

John gave a new meaning to the saying “jack of all trades, master of none”, as he was a “jack of all trades and master of all!” His detail to every task was a tribute to his perfection in completing the project to his satisfaction. If he was satisfied, then he knew the individuals he was working with would also be satisfied. He was a perfectionist and his work was the final word. 

In 1986, John married his best friend from junior high school and sweetheart, Loyola. They became neighbors to John’s parents. John was always helping his parents with everything his mom and dad needed help with. He was reliable, trustworthy, ethical, and a hard-worker. John had a 23 year career working for one of the biggest law firms in Santa Fe. His career was cut short due to layoffs in 2015. John and Loyola celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary in February 2025. When asked how long they have been married, John said “39 years, but it feels like 100”. John and Loyola never had children, but had many pets throughout their marriage from fish, cats, dogs, chickens, and one loud rooster. John and Loyola’s animals loved John so much that in John’s final moments, their cat, Tuscany, was right by John’s side. John’s kindness, humility, and savvy will be forever in our hearts. 

A Public Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 9:45 am at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM, with a Rosary to be recited at 10:00 am. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 am also at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada Catholic Church to be celebrated by Fr. Gabriel Gomez. Burial will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Nambe, NM.

The following serving the family as Pallbearers are Timmy Martinez, Dominic Martinez, Nathaniel Sanchez, Albert Sanchez, Rick Anaya, and Leo Montoya. Honorary Pallbearers are Harry Montoya, Harry Brian Montoya, Angelo Montoya, Elizario Rivera, Jeff Salazar, and John Valdez. 

Reception to follow after burial at John & Loyola’s home in Arroyo Seco.