John Matthew "Mato" Borrego

John Matthew "Mato" Borrego

It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of John Matthew “Mato” Borrego, 63, from Lower San Pedro on February 9, 2025. Mato, as he was known to most, was born on April 1, 1961, in East Los Angeles to Sharon Garcia and John Borrego. The family moved back to New Mexico in 1963.

Mato graduated from Espanola Valley High School in 1979 with honors and a close-knit group of classmates who remember him for being smart in school, participating in school sponsored activities like Student Council and National Honor Society, participating in team sports, and being selected to Boy’s State. Friends remember that Mato also had a strong artistic side to him which came out in his early years when he and some of his elementary classmates performed a Mexican hat dance for the Oñate Fiestas when he was in 4th grade. He was also a member of the Drama Club and starred in West Side Story in high school.

Mato later played softball in a men’s league under Sam’s Auto Body where the team went on to the Las Vegas Regionals and placed 3rd. He continued to play men’s league softball for several years in Santa Fe where he made many friends.

In 2009, Mato opened his own plumbing, heating, and air conditioning business known as Air Comforting Experts. He especially loved working for the elderly and loved listening to their stories.

Mato loved music and little did anyone know he would later in life write his own music, and, with the help of Steve Chavez, produce songs, YouTube videos, and cut several music CDs as Mateo Borrego with songs like “Sacando Acequia”, “Love at First Sight”, “Boom Boom Boom”, “Pura Vida”, “Buscando Travajo”, and “Gotta Go Home.”

Mato had a big heart and made a lasting impact on many people as he always approached life with a sense of humor and was always willing to help his friends and family with anything they needed and asked nothing in return.

Mato was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leopoldo and Isabel Garcia, Jose and Inez Borrego, aunts, uncles, one cousin, and many friends. He is survived by his sons Jacob and Nicholas, parents, brothers Steven and Daniel (JP), sister Sandy (Barry) Trujillo, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Mato’s services will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The rosary will be held at 10:30 am, followed by Mass at 11:30 am. Mato’s remains will be carried by his sons Jacob and Nicholas. 

Honorary pallbearers will be his “1979” classmates, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Burial will immediately follow Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church Cemetery. Mato will be greatly missed by sons Jacob and Nicholas, family, and all who knew him. You will forever be in our hearts, Mato.

Special thanks to all who brought food, prayers, and those who called family. Thank you to Jennie Garica and DeVargas Funeral Home for the care and compassion provided to Mato and family.

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