Jose F. Gallegos

July 14, 1940 – May 20, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce that Jose F. Gallegos (also known as Felo Vialpando), age 85, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A lifelong resident of Alcalde, New Mexico, he was lovingly known to family and friends as Jose, Joe, Felo, Felito, and Felito Joe.

Jose was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Antonio Jose Vialpando and Catarina Lara Vialpando; paternal grandparents, Jose Dolores Gallegos & Eufemia Serna Gallegos; mother, Ignacia Vialpando; his sisters, Helen Baros and Carmen Ceballes; father-in-law, Ramon Herrera; mother-in-law, Susie Herrera; brothers-in-law, Frank (Pancho) Herrera & Frank Baros Jr.; sister-in-law, Frances (Pancha) Herrera.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Eloisa Gallegos; his cherished children, Rae Sue Vigil (husband Chris Vigil), Agnes Gallegos, Kathy Nichols (husband Mike Nichols), Robert Gallegos (wife Na Ju Gallegos), and Jamie Gallegos; his beloved grandchildren, Matthew Vigil (partner Dana Bustos), Thomas Vigil (wife Kelsey Vigil), Joshua Nichols, Caleb Nichols, Noah Gallegos, Ava Gallegos, and Ethan Gallegos; and brothers-in-law, David Ceballes and Joe Herrera (wife Mary Alice Herrera); sister-in-law, Carrie Borrego (husband Robert Borrego); as well as many other extended family members and family friends who will miss his laughter and presence immensely.

Jose worked in Los Alamos County for over 30 years starting out at the Los Alamos County Golf Course. He proudly worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory for 25 years in the Weapons Division, where he was known for his dedication and hard work. After retiring from Los Alamos National Laboratory, he went to work for Rio Arriba County for several years as well as proudly serving as the Acequia de Alcalde Mayordomo. Outside of work, he was a lifelong animal lover having several cherished horses, dogs, cats, cattle, and many other pets. As a rancher and farmer, he cherished the land he tenderly cared for. From an early age he developed a love for beautiful cars and trucks and took great pride in caring for his beloved toys and admired those he saw. Jose was a humble, honest, and hardworking man who above all, loved his family and treasured every minute he spent with them. His devotion, kindness, strength, and unconditional love will be deeply missed.

He will forever live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.

A Memorial Service/Rosary will take place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:00 pm at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Alcalde, NM, at 10:30 am with burial following immediately after at the Alcalde Cemetery in Alcalde, NM. A meal will be held immediately after the burial and friends and loved ones are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Jose’s life at the San Juan Bautista Cathlioc Church Parish Hall (185 Po’Pay Ave, Ohkay Owingeh, NM 87566).

The family of Jose F. Gallegos has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477