Obituaries (Jan. 23, 2025)

James R. “Jim” Brown

Died 2025

James R. “Jim” Brown, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and respected member of the community, passed away peacefully on Jan. 3, 2025, at the age of 73.

Born in Albuquerque, Jim resided in Los Lunas for 35 years.

A proud graduate of Highland High School, Jim served his country honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he worked with the BNSF Railroad as a locomotive engineer, where his dedication and expertise were highly regarded.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim possessed a diverse range of interests and talents. He was a gifted artist, finding solace and expression in various creative pursuits. A lifelong learner, he was an avid reader and a devoted student of history. He also enjoyed the outdoors and had a passion for hot air ballooning.

Most importantly, Jim cherished his family. He was a loving husband to his wife, Kathy; a devoted father to his children, Zach, Ryan and Josh; and a cherished grandfather to his grandchildren, Henry, JJ, Jack and Charlotte.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Phillip “Phil” Cordova

1965-2025

On Jan. 8, 2025, Phillip “Phil” Cordova was called home to be with his Heavenly Father.

A visitation took place on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Romero Funeral Home Chapel. Services continued on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Our Lady of Annunciation Catholic Church in Albuquerque, with a Rosary recited and a Funeral Mass celebrated. Interment followed at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Albuquerque. A reception was held at the Embassy Suites following services.

The Memorial Ranch Sorting will take place at 12 p.m., May 18, 2025, at the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Posse as a celebration of life for Phillip.

He is survived by his loving children, daughter, Lauren E. Cordova, whom he lovingly referred to as “Sweets”; and son, Tristan R. Cordova; girlfriend, Tabitha Sanchez and her daughters; parents, Arthur Cordova (Kathy) and Tomasita Cordova; siblings, Judy Cordova-Romero (Lauren), Jerome Cordova (Susan) and Brenda Cordova-Busick; nephew, Thomas Cordova; and nieces, Sarah Silva and Olivia Cordova; as well many close friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Arturo and Vivianita Cordova and Juan F. and Olivia Garcia; and brother-in-law, Bill Busick.

Phillip was kind, generous, loving and the life of the party. He had the most beautiful smile and took pleasure in making other people happy and left a lasting impression with all who met him.

He had many interests and excelled at all of them. He was an accomplished horseman, who competed in Ranch Sorting and had a successful horse breeding program. He also enjoyed collecting and restoring classic cars. He loved and followed all sports and especially liked watching his Dallas Cowboys and the Oregon Ducks play.

He loved all children and they loved him. He had a quick wit and his greatest gift was to make people smile, laugh and lighten their day. He had an uncanny memory, second to none. Phillip was brilliant and extremely talented.

He started his professional career working alongside his father and brother at ADC LTD NM, where he wore many hats including manager, contracts manager and facility security officer. He went on as an entrepreneur, and started his construction company, PMC, which provided many years of varied construction services at Kirtland Air Force Base.

He later rejoined his father and siblings to support the growing family business, ADC LTD NM, where as an owner he once again wore many hats including manager of all physical security contracts, where he managed all aspects of this division and facilities manager.

Pallbearers are Jerome Cordova, Gilbert Martinez, Dan Sanchez, Lauren Romero, Sarah Silva and Thomas Cordova. Honorable pallbearers are Felicity Szanto, Johnny Jacobs, Toby Orona, Andrew Varela, Travis Driscoll, Gil Archuleta, Auggie Archuleta, Robert Archuleta and Amadore Gonzales.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Horsin’ Around Theraputic Riding Center, Robin Thompson, 505-331-5378.

Please sign Phillip’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Roberto Norman Gabaldon

1963-2025

Roberto Norman Gabaldon, 61, of Tomé, went home to meet our Lord on Jan. 13, 2025.

Roberto was born in Belen on Nov. 3, 1963.

Our dad was always an overachiever. He graduated from Los Lunas High School at the early age of 16. He then went on in life to enjoy many interests, owning and building many businesses. At a young age, he owned a successful welding business and was a journeyman iron worker in both New Mexico and Nevada.

Our dad was also a skilled horseman, who loved to rope and ride. Being Robert’s child meant you were not ever going to be afraid to get on a horse, and you were going to master the skill of riding by the time you were 5 years old!

Our dad was an accomplished musician, who played the drums for The Top-Notch Band of Valencia County. He enjoyed entertaining and giving back to the community and was known to play for events all over Valencia County.

Our dad built and owned a successful business, The Southwest Emporium, which was his passion for the past 15 years. Our dad loved life and always had an easy smile for anyone he met!

Our dad was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Abelino and Josephine Gabaldon; and maternal grandparents, Boleslo and Precilla Romero; as well as his nephew, AJ Gabaldon.

Our dad is survived by his parents, Gene and Marystella Gabaldon; his brother, Abelino (Lisa); his three children, Blaine (Leann), Alyssa and Jacob (Julianna); his loving partner, Corina Crespin; and her children, Lucas and Jason Bernauer. He is also survived by many grandchildren who brought him much joy, Justin, Allie, Randon, Raylee, Weston, Jaxon and Wrenley.

Services for Roberto will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé. A visitation will take place at 10 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Mass will then be recited immediately following the rosary. Roberto will then be laid to rest at the Tomé Catholic Cemetery following the mass.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

Tina Romero

1947-2025

Tina Romero, 77, of Tomé, passed away on Jan. 11, 2025.

She was preceded in death by husband, Eduardo Romero; parents, Vidal and Rose Chavez, of Veguita; brother, Albert; and sister, Barbara.

She is survived by daughters, Clarissa Romero-Flores (Mike Flores) and Carolyn Romero-Mosqueda (Dennis Mosqueda); and by her grandsons, Austin Bridger and Omar Flores. She is also survived by sisters, Sarah Martinez, Prescilla Gonzales and Debbie Pappas; and brother, Larry Chavez.

Her daughters are respecting Tina’s request for no immediate, formal services. There will be a private burial of her ashes, along with Eduardo’s remains, in the near future.

Tina will be fondly remembered by many as an excellent cook, baker, seamstress, crafter and loving caretaker to immediate and extended family members over the years, including many nieces and nephews. She also enjoyed nurturing and caring for children in her home and in schools where she worked.

We thank all who choose to light candles, pray private prayers, plant flowers, listen to music, anything that touches your heart to honor her life and your good memories of her.