Paul Gil Gallegos

Paul G. Gallegos passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025 at the age of 83. A proud Navy man and true patriot, Paul leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Bertha Ann Gallegos. Survivors include their daughter Michaele and husband Jeff Kilian (Hawaii), son Larry and wife Melissa Gallegos (San Diego), and son Chris and wife Sarah Gallegos (Artesia), 9 grandchild and 1 great grandchild.

Born in Mesilla, NM to Donaciano Gallegos and Dolores Gil. Paul lived a life marked by service. Paul proudly served in the United States Navy for 32 years, where he achieved the rank of CW04 earning the respect of his peers and the gratitude of his country. His military career took him around the world, including tours in the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Paul was truly happy away on the ship serving his country. After retiring from the Navy, Paul taught NJROTC at Santa Teresa high school for 15 years.

Paul believed in doing things right and had a deep love for the simple pleasures of life. His family considered him a ‘lawn game profit’. A fierce competitor at every game of horseshoes, bean bag toss and the like. The game would start slow and encouraging for his opponent, like a spider luring its prey then quietly and swiftly he would shut it down with ringer after ringer after ringer, and close out the game with a grin, his competitor not sure of where they went wrong. He played to win, of course, but more than anything, he played to be with the people he loved. Paul was very much a Chargers fan and could often be found watching games on tv.

Above all, Paul will be remembered for the quiet love he showed to those around him. He wasn’t perfect, but he was ours and we were his.

A funeral mass is scheduled for 10am Friday, April 25, 2025 at St Anthony Parish in Artesia. His burial will be held with full military honors at General Douglas McBride Veterans Cemetery in Roswell at 2p that same afternoon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Anthony Hall renovation fund.