Robert "Dennis" Gallegos

Our beloved Robert “Dennis” Gallegos, Jr. passed away at the age of 37 years old surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Presbyterian Hospital in Espanola, NM. Though he left this world far too soon, he left this world a better place. 

Dennis is predeceased by the love of his life, Tammie Medina, infant sister Denette Marie Gallegos, maternal grandmother Mary Rose Lucero, paternal grandfather Robert Gallegos, cousins James and Ivan Garcia, and best friend since childhood, Adrian Salazar. Dennis is survived by the apple of his eye, his son, Damian Gallegos, daughter, Brandy Garcia, who he loved and helped raise as his own, granddaughter Tiana Chavez, whom he absolutely adored, parents, Dennis and former Probate Judge Angela Gallegos, beloved sister, Denielle Gallegos (Jennifer), paternal grandmother Alice Gallegos, a special aunt he was close to Jeannie Crow (Bill), Amanda Garcia, Uncles; Zac Lucero, Verne Lucero, Jr., Eric Lucero, Donald Gallegos (Nina) and Godparents, Ernie and Hazel Rodriguez; childhood special friend, Isaac Valdez who was a brother to him, his dog Zeus and many other family members, numerous friends that he loved very much.

Dennis was born on July 6, 1984, at 11:20 a.m. at St. Vincent's Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Dennis and Angela Gallegos. He grew up in the beautiful community of La Mesilla and attended elementary school at Holy Cross Catholic School and graduated from McCurdy High School in 2002. He was previously employed with Santa Fe County as a sign technician. 

As a child growing up in La Mesilla, he loved exploring the nearby arroyo, fishing with family, riding and doing tricks on his BMX bike or skateboarding with his friends, and sledding or tubing in the snow. He was a very talented artist in pencil drawings and painting in pastels. He loved his baby sister Denielle, who was his shadow, and sometimes he did not like it, but nonetheless, he was a very protective big brother and she idolized her best friend. Denielle recalls her big brother always making her laugh and she says they shared many inside family jokes as kids. Dennis loved family vacations and road trips, barbeques, and shooting hoops with his son. He especially loved attending his son's Tennis Tournaments, as he was one proud father. He was a single parent and was an extremely doting father. His favorite vacations were traveling to New York, California, Denver, and San Antonio. He was a protector and took care of all his family, friends, and his neighbors. Dennis loved caring for and helping his grandma Alice and his parents, even if he was not feeling well, up until he was hospitalized this past February. Dennis adored his parents, especially his mama; he had a special bond with his mama and would do anything he could for them.

Dennis was passionate about helping others and he exemplified what it meant to live life in the moment…  The light was shining on Dennis from the day he was born up until his death. He was a giver who gave to the very end and he gave in death his last selfless act on earth as he gave in life. He was an organ donor and gave the gift of life to three people the day he died. Dennis’s loved ones have ensured his legacy will live on through his gifts of several organ donations, and through that generous decision, Dennis has touched countless others' lives and is truly what a "Hero" should be. Dennis was the best father, son, grandson, grandfather, friend, cousin, and nephew, and loved with all his being.

Dennis developed special friendships at Presbyterian Main in Albuquerque, especially with his Guardian Angel, Nurse Beverly Trujillo, and many of the medical staff as well as at Espanola Presbyterian.  Despite all the odds he had medically against him, the medical staff that cared for him said no matter how bad he was feeling, he would smile and be upbeat and he would crack jokes with them and make them laugh and vice versa.

A Wake Service will be held Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at DeVargas Funeral Home with public viewing starting at 6:00 p.m. and the Wake starting at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz, NM. Burial immediately following at the Rosario Catholic Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. A meal will be held at the Knights of Columbus in Arroyo Seco starting at 1:00 p.m.

Serving as Pallbearers are, Damian Gallegos, Zac Lucero, Gene Jacquez, Senator Richard Martinez, Beverly Trujillo, Ramon Romero, Michael Salazar, Ricardo Valdez, Angelo Chavez, Joey Atencio, Christy Rodriguez, Adrian Lucero, Roxanne Lucero, Johnny Medrano, Brian Valdez, Michael Aguilar, Monica Sanchez, and Miguel Velasquez. Honorary Pallbearers are Brandy Garcia, Tiana Chavez and Anthony Lucero.  

The family of Robert Dennis Gallegos has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477