Joe Patrick Montoya

Joe “Jody” Patrick Montoya

February 12, 1947 – January 30, 2025

Joe “Jody” Patrick Montoya, 77, passed away on January 30, 2025, at the Albuquerque VA Hospital. Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 12, 1947, he grew up in the Alcalde area, where he formed lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community. Jody currently was residing in Albuquerque.

Before embarking on a life long career as a real estate appraiser, Jody served his country with honor in the U.S. Army, fighting in Vietnam. He was a highly decorated veteran, earning numerous military distinctions, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with five Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and two of the highest-ranking medals—the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal. His bravery and sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Beyond his military service, Jody was known for his generous and kind heart. He was always willing to help others, never seeking recognition for his acts of kindness. After his passing, many thank-you gifts, cards, and notes of appreciation were found among his belongings, a testament to the lives he quietly touched.

Jody was known to push those around him to strive further in their careers with unwavering belief in their potential. Many of his loved ones credit his encouragement for their success and remain deeply grateful for his influence.

Jody was a proud grandfather, finding immense joy in watching his grandson, Mateo, excel in sports. A passionate sports fan he used to watch ESPN so much he was like a walking sports almanac. Jody supported athletes across various levels, from local teams to professional leagues. He especially loved watching track, cross country, baseball, and basketball. Most recent years, local basketball games held a special place in his heart, particularly Volcano Vista High School girls' basketball, where he cheered on the team coached by his dear friends, Lisa and Ross Villareal. He enjoyed attending games with his close friends Delfido Martinez, Matthew (Vicente) Trujillo, Joe Salas, Vincent Guillen, Arthur “Buckwheat” Martinez, and many other cherished friends and classmates.

He was preceded in death by his Uncle Pat and Aunt Mary Montoya, Francis and Luis Atencio, Gene Garcia, Willie Quintana, and Carmen Quintana.

He is survived by his daughter, Larissa, and her husband, Miguel Martinez, along with their three sons, Brandon, Bryson, and Mateo. He is also survived by his godson, Andrew Atencio, and his wife, Charmaine, along with their sons, Andres and Alejandro; Lorenzo Atencio and his wife, Yvonne; Dorothy Maestas; Olga Garcia; Chris Atencio and his wife, Marcela; Jose Atencio and his wife, Alicia; Ralph Atencio and his wife, Julie; Stella Quintana and Danny; Linda Atencio; Steve Quintana; Darren Quintana and his wife, Melissa; Jeff Atencio; Leticia Atencio; Ursula Atencio; and Delfido Martinez and his wife, Patricia. These closest family and friends became his chosen family and will forever hold his memory dear.

A Public Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at DeVargas Funeral Home, with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Santa Cruz de La Cañada in Santa Cruz. Jody will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Pallbearers are Mateo Herrera, Delfido Martinez, Thomas Valdez, Gena Valdez, Harold Montoya, and Laurie Varela.

Jody’s legacy of service, generosity, and unwavering support for his family and friends will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family of Joe Patrick Montoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  www.devargasfuneral.com   505-747-7477