Gilfred Abeyta

Gilfred Abeyta

Gilfred Abeyta, age 76, a devoted resident of Valencia and Northern Socorro County, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, just 8 days shy of his 77th birthday, at Spanish Trails Rehabilitation Suites in Albuquerque, NM.

Gilfred was born in Veguita, NM, to Sisto and Rita Abeyta. He spent his early years in Veguita with his sisters, Diana Angie Griego and Catherine A. Encinias. After the passing of his parents, Gilfred was lovingly adopted by his uncle and aunt, Espiririon and Elizabeth Otero, who raised him as their own. He grew up as a brother to JoAnn Alvarado and Joe Neil Otero, all of whom shared a strong family bond.

A graduate of Socorro High School, Gilfred answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy in 1967. He served with honor and dedication alongside his lifelong friend, Roman Romero, until his discharge in 1973.

Upon returning home, Gilfred found the love of his life, Margaret Tenorio, in Albuquerque, NM. They married and together built a life full of love, faith, and commitment to their family and community. A skilled HVAC technician and plumber, Gilfred made his living working with his hands. But his true passion was farming-he fondly referred to himself as "a pig farmer" and carried on the family's agricultural legacy in Northern Socorro County.

Gilfred's passion for farming extended beyond his fields, as he passed on his knowledge to the younger generation, serving as a dedicated 4-H leader who mentored many youth in Northern Socorro County. Known for his kindness and generosity, Gilfred was a man who would not hesitate to offer helpeven to strangers. Whether it was lending a helping hand to a neighbor or giving someone the shirt off his back, his selflessness knew no bounds.

This same dedication to service led him to represent his community as a member of the Socorro Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees. During his time on the board, he cultivated lifelong friendships across the state, always working to strengthen his community.

Gilfred valued hard work, family, and a good laugh, all values he instilled in those he knew and loved. Later in life, he and Margaret became founding members of Somos Unidos Veguita, an organization devoted to advocacy and support for their Northern Socorro County neighbors. From irrigating his fields to repairing fences, Gilfred treasured the life he built and was always ready to saddle up his horse or load his truck to help others.

Gilfred's legacy lives on through his children, Guadalupe Abeyta of Belen, and her husband, Manuel Baca; and Sisto Abeyta of Albuquerque; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Annalicia Baca and Aayden Baca.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Abeyta; his brother Jose Abeyta, his sisters, Dora Ortega and Catherine A. Encinias; his parents, Sisto and Rita Abeyta; and Espirion and Elizabeth Otero.

The family wishes to recognize the following individuals as honorary pallbearers nephews Joey Griego and David Otero, close friend Shane Baca, and lifelong best

friend Roman Romero.

Services will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Romero Funeral Home in Belen, NM, beginning with a visitation at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Albuquerque.

The family kindly asks you to sign Gilfred's online tribute at

www.romerofuneralhomenm.com

http://www.romerofuneralhomenm.com

Romero Funeral Home

609 N. Main Street, Belen, NM 87002

(505) 864-8501