Amadeo Montoya

Amadeo A. Montoya, beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Amadeo was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Montoya, parents Nestor and Carlota Montoya, son Larry Montoya, and granddaughters Judy and Christine Valles. He is survived by his daughter Teresa Byrd (husband Jim), daughter Sylvia Montoya, grandchildren; David Gallegos (Denise), Dana Resendiz (Johan), Thomas Gallegos (Sara), Daniel Valles (Amalia), Matthew Gallegos (Valerie), Chandler Kensington and Desiree Montoya, as well as numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Amadeo is also survived by sisters; Emily Garcia (husband Rudy) and Lorencita Salas and many extended family members and friends. 

Amadeo was born in Vallecitos de los Indios on September 3, 1930, and later moved to Ponderosa, NM, where he attended school and assisted his disabled father and mother in maintaining their 66 acre farm. Faith in God was always important to Amadeo, and part of his faith journey included serving as an altar boy at the local Catholic Church. At a young age, he also worked at the lumber mill to help supplement the family resources. Later, as a young teenager, he and his sister, Margaret, rode in the back of a pick-up truck to seek work in California. While there, Amadeo worked laying railroad track and eventually he and his sister worked at a fruit cannery in California.

Amadeo was inducted into the Army on May 28, 1951, and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged, as a Corporal in the United States Army on September 18, 1956. He made many friends and lost quite a few that he remembered fondly all his life.

Amadeo married Laura, also a Montoya, on December 30, 1953 in Jemez Springs, NM. They lived in California for the first four years and during that time period they purchased a home and had three children; Teresa, Sylvia and Larry. While in California, Amadeo worked as a machinist in the aerospace industry. Of the many jobs he held during his lifetime, working as a machinist was his favorite.

In 1960, Amadeo purchased his home in the Sawmill area of Albuquerque and worked at Hydro Conduit as a foreman. He worked on many of the concrete beams used on bridges that you drive over today, and many of the cement picnic tables scattered throughout the campgrounds of NM and Colorado. In addition to his regular work duties, he spent many hours caring for his aging parents and said he was happy that he had done so. He also maintained the cleanest yard in his neighborhood, volunteered time to his church, helped others with their yard work and built beautiful cement crosses and wooden yard décor that he gave away to many. 

At the age of 59, Amadeo suffered a stroke that significantly diminished his eyesight. He received a medical retirement from Hydro Conduit. However, true retirement did not occur until January 1, 2025, when he again suffered a devastating stroke that would end his life. During his last week of life on earth he told us he loved us countless times, fought to recover and did it all with a calm, uncomplaining and prayerful manner. Amadeo fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith.

Our father leaves a lasting impact on everyone’s life he touched. We, his daughters, lovingly referred to him as our “Superman” because he loved his family, was loyal, strong, hardworking and a lover of God. He set a high bar for his children to attain, but never higher than the one he had for himself. For that we are forever blessed to have called Amadeo our dad. Thank you dad. 

We love you with all our heart and soul. Your children, Teresa, Sylvia and Larry