Obituaries (July 24, 2025)

John Gareth Davies

1940-2025

John Gareth Davies, of Los Lunas, left the world on July 11, 2025, after 85 good years on this Earth.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda; his children, Scott, Melinda, Lisa and Kim; his five grandchildren, Jade, Anna, Frank, Lucas and Jack; and his best buddy, his dog, Sherman.

Growing up in Scranton, PA., John was a jazz drummer at his core. Having been introduced to music by his father, a pianist, he began playing drums at a young age and was playing professionally by the age of 15. He had his own radio show while attending the University of Scranton, and put himself through school playing in jazz clubs.

When he met and began dating his future wife, Linda, he took her from a conservative German household and introduced her to the 1960’s jazz scene, taking her on dates in a Triumph TR3 sports car. She never stood a chance! They were happily married for 62 years.

John earned his master’s degree in science and received several NSF grants to further his studies while camping in Arizona and Utah with his young family. Becoming a teacher, John would devote the next 50+ years to teaching high school science, first in New Jersey and later in New Mexico. He shared the wonders of astronomy, Earth science, physics and MESA with thousands of teenagers throughout his career.

Known in the classroom as Mr. D, John taught with humor and passion, becoming the favorite teacher of countless students. He retired from Los Lunas High School in 2020 at the age of 80.

In addition to his students, John passed on his passion and humor to his children and, subsequently, his grandchildren. He taught them the profound love of music. He taught them the love of rocks and space, of nature and animals, of hiking and camping. He taught them to laugh and to quote “Young Frankenstein” before they were old enough to get the jokes. He taught them to use power tools. He taught them to just “do it.”

John’s life was well-lived, and it’s certain that those who knew him in either a big or a small way feel grateful. He passed away peacefully after a long battle with dementia. Modern Jazz Quartet, his favorite, was playing.

If you wish to honor his memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Inhora Hospice, in Albuquerque, or to the National Mill Dog Rescue in Peyton, Colo.

Joseph L. Gonzales

1962-2025

Joseph L. Gonzales, age 63, a lifelong resident of Belen, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Interment will take place at a later date at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Garden.

He is survived by six brothers, three sisters, their husbands, wives, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom loved him dearly.

Although Joseph was in total care all his life, he lived in love. His mother kept him at home and cared for him until her passing. Joseph’s sister took him in and cared for him with the help of their brother and on occasion, other family members.

He was under the exceptional care of Dr. Scott Jeansonne, as well as the wonderful care of Wilfred and his team at Share’n’Care.

Joseph enjoyed going on vacation with his sister. He loved to laugh and sing “Happy Birthday” to everyone, he enjoyed country music and loved balloons.

Joseph will be missed by many who knew him.

Please sign Joseph’s online tribute at

romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Harry “Uncle Harry” Kaneshiro

1929-2025

Harry “Uncle Harry” Kaneshiro, age 96, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully at the VA hospital on July 17, 2025.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 30, with a visitation starting at 9 a.m., a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Maria Baca Kaneshiro; and brothers, Herman Sr. and Felix Kaneshiro.

Harry is survived by his nephews, Herman Jr (Debby), Robert (Marilyn), Lawrence (Lisa) and Dale Kaneshiro; great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and great-great-great nieces and nephews.

He was born in Belen to Frank and Maria Baca Kaneshiro. Harry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an airplane mechanic from July 1948 to July 1952. He later moved to Albuquerque, where he lived until his passing.

We would like to offer a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Albuquerque VA hospital, the VA Community Living Center Hospice, and Romero Funeral Home.

Urn bearer will be Thomas Kaneshiro.

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

Paul Montoya

1970-2025

Paul Montoya, age 54, a resident of Belen, peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his loved ones on July 12, 2025.

Paul is preceded in death by his father, Larry Montoya Sr; brother, Melvin Maldonado; and his son, Pablo Montoya.

He is survived by his mother, Viola Olguin; stepfather, Ernie Lucero; wife, Melissa Vigil; daughters, Leeanae Montoya, Bernice Padilla and Evangelina (Tim) Cordova; grandchildren, Kaeshawn Haskew, Shelby Swinney, Amaya Montoya, Genesis Martinez, Aniah Martinez, Ezra Martinez, Eliana Cordova, Cameron Cordova and Ezekiel Cordova; siblings, Frances (Fermin) Otero, Loddy Montoya, Patricia (Daniel) Jaramillo and Paula (Chris) Jamieson. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Paul was a talented auto mechanic, and could fix just about anything that was broken. He enjoyed woodworking and canvas painting, visiting estate and yard sales.

Paul enjoyed helping others in anyway he could. He was strong in his Catholic faith, and was proud to share it with all. He was an avid Miami Dolphins fan, and wouldn’t hold back his cheers when they’d play!

He was a kind soul, who was always willing to help those in need. Above all, he was a family man, who loved nothing more than spending time with his family and grandchildren whom he loved and cherished so much.

Services for Paul will be held on Friday, July 25, at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley. A visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10 am. A reception to follow at the Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley.

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.

Michael “Mike” John Torres

1958-2025

Michael “Mike” John Torres, age 66, departed for eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on July 14, 2025.

Services will take place on Tuesday, July 29, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10 a.m., and Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment following at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Garden.

He is survived by his children, Emerson Torres (Haven), Marie Torres, Dr. Billie Adams (Matthew), Keith Torres, Andrea Sutton (Carlos) and Brittany Lucero (Christopher): grandchildren, Anyssa, Caleb, Luke, Elliot, Hudson, Alex, Adam, Peytyn, Lawson, Asher, Isaac and Ellie; siblings, Mercy Howell, Theresa Padilla (Alfred) and Pete Torres (Tenci); as well as many aunts, uncles and a wide circle of family members who loved him.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Eligia Gurule Torres; son, Jeramiah Torres; paternal grandparents, Pedro and Mercedes Torres; maternal grandparents, Juan and Teresa Gurule; brother-in-law, William Howell; nephew, Carlos Maez; and several uncles, aunts and relatives.

He was born in 1958 and was a lifelong resident of Belen. Michael attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and went on to graduate from Belen High School, where he played football for the Eagles.

Perhaps one of Michael’s most passionate hobbies was riding anything with a powerful motor. He could do a wheelie all the way down First Street for the thrill of it, though he always feared his mother watching him. Michael loved to ride his off-road vehicles at the river, often joined by his lifelong friends. He enjoyed boating and spending time with his sisters and family at Elephant Butte.

In his final years, he cherished being with his children and his furry companions, Missy and Blitzen. Michael found joy in life’s simple pleasures, going for ice cream, cruising through Belen with family and visiting his brothers’ beautiful home in Taos. Above all, he delighted in spending time with his grandchildren and being surrounded by family at gatherings.

Michael’s career primarily followed in the footsteps of his parents in the family business, Pete’s Café, where he held multiple roles. He will always be remembered for his infamous food truck, Mike’s Munchies.

Though his health eventually made it difficult for him to continue working, he never allowed it to take away his spirit or sense of humor.

Pallbearers will be Caleb Torres, Luke Garcia, Elliot Adams, Hudson Adams, Isaac Lucero, Jay Torres, Mario Maez and Chris Padilla. Honorary pallbearers will be Lawson Sutton, Asher Sutton, Alex Torres, Adam Torres, Barney Jaramillo and Steven Scalf.

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