Felix Gallegos

Felix Ricardo (Cardo) Gallegos 86 A resident of Chama passed away peacefully in his home on January 4, 2022 after a 17 year battle with cancer.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jose Abelito Gallegos Jr., mother, Ramoncita Felix-Gallegos, an infant daughter Sarah Gallegos, and son Richard F. (Cardito) Gallegos, brother Donald L. Gallegos, and sisters Loyola G. Vigil (Joe Vigil), and Nickie F. Gallegos, a brother in-law Jerry Rivera.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Leontina (Tina) Gallegos, son Jóse Abél Gallegos (Angela), and daughters Melinda Gallegos and Tina Gallegos-Martínez (Shane Thurston), brother Martin Gallegos (Cristella), two granddaughters, Hannah Hughes and Lea Pacheco (Ismael), brothers in-law Jóse Ignacio Rivera (Jill) and Praxedes Rivera (Patsy) two sisters in-law Olivia Rivera and Mary Gallegos, and great aunt Rose Naranjo.

Felix was born in Chama, New Mexico and lived a fruitful life in the Chama Valley. As in many small towns one has to be resourceful in order to make a comfortable living, and Felix did just that by “wearing many hats” in order to raise his family. Felix was a school bus contractor for Chama Valley Schools, fulfilling an existing contract for his father Abe and later retiring after 27 years of service under his own contract. During this time Felix ran and managed the “Your Grocery Store” in downtown Chama for his parents and later purchased the business. Together with his wife they provided a custom meat processing service, locksmith service, and a complete grocery store including dry goods. Felix also delivered milk to Foremost Dairies in Santa Fe, NM during the early hours of the morning. He visited the local dairies and those along the way, just to make it back in time to open the grocery store. Upon selling the store in 1977, he began working at Big A Auto Parts as a partsman and retired in 1997 ended a 20 year career there.

Felix served his community in many capacities. He served as Chama Fire Department’s Assistant Chief and Chief for 58 years combined, succeeding Kenneth Lively. He was an avid member of the Knights of Columbus, and served on the Dunham Memorial Clinic board. Most recently, he was selected Chama Days Grand Marshall for the second time. During the summer months, Felix contracted his school bus to transport fire fighters for the forest service to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railways to shuttle passengers between Chama, NM and Antonio, Co. Most notably, he as known throughout the Chama Valley as “Mr. Cardo” the school bus driver, transporting many generations of families to and from school and activities. He was most proud of his accident free record. Felix/Cardo will be remembered for his sincerity and gentle nature. Services will be held during the Spring time when the weather is permitting. Details fourthcoming.

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