Joe Ramon Perea

Joe Ramon Perea

In Loving Memory

April 8, 1950-June 18, 2025

Joe Ramon Perea, age 75, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.

Born on April 8, 1950, in Peralta, NM, Joe was the cherished son of Joe R. Perea and Louisa Alderete. From a young age, he was captivated by language, culture, and the arts, a passion that guided every chapter of his life.

Joe's academic journey was as rich and diverse as his love for humanity. He earned a Master of Arts in Linguistics and French from Temple University, a Bachelor of Arts in French, Spanish, and English from Eastern New Mexico University, and continued his studies in Spain and France, receiving diplomas from the Universidad de Alcala de Henares and Université de Montpellier. He also pursued coursework at the University of Denver, The College of William and Mary, Old Dominion University, and Laval University.

Joe devoted his life to teaching, sharing his love for language and literature with generations of students at Del Norte High School and Albuquerque Academy. A brilliant linguist and inspiring educator, he created classrooms filled with curiosity, connection, and care.

Joe met the love of his life, Thomas A. Schellenbach, on December 11, 1983. Together they built a life of joy, warmth, and enduring devotion, celebrating 42 beautiful years of marriage. Their loving phrase, "Love you today," was a daily affirmation of a bond that never waned.

His children, Maggie and Joey, were the pride and joy of his life. Maggie, with her compassion and strength, and Joey, with his warmth and humor, carry forward their father's legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for family.

Beyond the classroom, Joe's passions were endless, he was a world traveler, a devoted journaler, a talented santero painter, community theatre actor, a voracious reader and a culinary enthusiast who delighted in sharing meals with loved ones. He danced with zest in Zumba classes, explored his deep love for history and art, and traced the branches of his family's story through genealogy. His love of life was both profound and contagious.

Joe is survived by his devoted husband, Thomas A. Schellenbach; his children, Joseph Perea and Margaret Buciak (Ron); and his adored grandchildren, Piper and Coral Buciak. He also leaves behind his former spouse, Rosemary Sharpe (Lowell), loving sisters, Teresa Sanchez (Jose) and Patsy Chavez (Atilano), and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives he touched with kindness and grace.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joe R. Perea and Louisa Alderete.

A celebration of Joe's life will be scheduled at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory, share stories, and celebrate the indelible mark he left on the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Joe's name to The Alliance Francaise of Albuquerque, NM or a cause that reflects his passion for education, the arts, or cultural preservation.

Joe's heart was a boundless one, open to every language, every story, every soul. He will be missed dearly, remembered always, and loved forever.