David J. Gallegos

David John Gallegos entered the loving arms of Jesus on May 8, 2025, at home, surrounded by his family after his hard-fought battle with cancer.
David was born on June 9, 1951, to Rosie Perez (Martinez) and Damacio Gallegos, he was a protective big Brother, loving Husband, Father and Grandfather an American Veteran and a respected Nurse. David was a shining light to all that had the privilege of knowing him. His unique sense of humor made him unforgettable.
He met his "Flower" Dorothy, in High School and the two married and raised a family together; they now have thirteen grandchildren who gave him is prized tile of "Papa Bear".
At the age of seventeen, David joined the US Marines and proudly served his country for 7 years. He began in ground artillery and was eventually promoted to the air strike team. He was awarded seven medals during his enlistment and received an honorable discharge in 1974.
After his service in the military, David worked as a clinical lab technician while attending Antelope Valley Community College where he obtained his Associate of Science degree in Registered Nursing. As he would have told you, he went from "Killing to Healing." His initial specialty was in pediatric ICU where he was able to nurture his innate adoration for children. After experiencing heartbreak in the ICU, he made the leap to the Emergency department where he remained for the next 32 years at various hospitals including Antelope Valley Hospital, Denver Health and Loma Linda University Medical Center.
If you ask his fellow co-workers, they will tell you he excelled at teaching and sharing his knowledge passionately with so many others. He built a remarkable reputation and was an integral part of the new graduate training programs having precepted over a decade's worth of new graduates. While at LLUMC, David, alongside Dr Nguyen, spearheaded the sepsis program when there was no program of its kind. Together, they laid the foundation for the current sepsis program used today. He later went on to adolescent psychiatric nursing for 2 years before making his way back to his niche, the ER where he finished his career at Corona Regional medical center. A fellow nurse he worked with stated, "He taught in more SMI's than I can count." The stories from his students and co-workers have left a remarkable legacy that will not be forgotten.
In addition to the legacy he left in the Nursing field, David left a legacy of faith to his family. He instilled the importance of faith to his children and grandchildren as he grew in the Lord's grace. He had a way of stirring up a desire to dig in and understand the Bible, challenging his family to be strong in the word, and not to just take another's word for it.
He was an avid reader and loved acquiring knowledge about diverse topics which allowed him to talk to anyone about anything. His "quick" trips to the store often lasted longer because of his inevitable conversations with strangers. He would ask people about themselves and something about him enticed strangers to share their life with him and in return he would share Jesus and pray with anyone who would allow him (no one had ever turned him down). He would often say he was drawn to "stray cats, withered plants and broken men."
He deeply loved his family, enjoyed wearing his "comfy" clothes consisting of oversized t-shirts and sweatpants, paired with his ball caps decorated with patriotic patches and USMC pins. He also enjoyed spending time relaxing on the greens with his golfing friends, and he found a love for the therapeutic hobby of gardening.
David is preceded in death by his father Damacio Lawrence Gallegos, his mother Rosie Perez (Martinez) and his brothers Rocky Gallegos and Anthony "Boo Boo" Perez.
He leaves behind his wife Dorothy; his children Kristy Gallo (Christopher), Jason Gallegos, Heidi Gregory (Brent), Sommer Larkin (Michael), Aaron Newman (Breana) and his thirteen grandchildren who were the light of his life. His sisters Francine Rodriguez (William), Rosita Duran and Brothers Patrick Perez (Anita) and Andrew Perez (Melissa) and many adoring nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Life memorial service for David will be held on June 25, 2025, at 12:30 PM MST at Praise Center Church in Denver, Colorado. Due to the location of services, we understand that many of his California friends will not be able to attend, and a link will be shared for those who would like to join us online. We are asking kindly for anyone willing to share your fondest memories with us, please send to heidigregory81@gmail.com
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