Joseph Ronnie Lee Rentz

Joseph Ronnie Lee Rentz obituary, Albuquerque, NM

Joseph Ronnie Lee Rentz

Joseph Ronnie Lee Rentz Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Riverside Funeral Home - Albuquerque on Jan. 29, 2025.

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Joseph Ronnie Lee Rentz, 60, was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 20, 1964, and passed away January 19, 2025, with his mother, Linda Lee Rentz, at his side. Ronnie is preceded in death by his grandmother Pricilla Abeyta, grandfather Louie Abeyta, and cousins Maria and Sofie Marie. He is survived by his mother Linda Lee Rentz, father Aubrey Rentz, daughter Melanie and her husband EJ, grandson Anthony and granddaughter Alena, uncle Johnny, and cousins Liz, Tanya, Kira, Sofia, Santiago, Che, and Kristina.
Ronnie grew up in the North Valley of Albuquerque and is a well-known and respected boxer who is considered to be one of the best amateur boxers to ever come out of New Mexico. His boxing career started at a young age when his grandfather, eventually trainer, introduced him to the Police Athletic League (PAL), where boxing became his life. He had many highlights throughout his boxing career including an amateur record of 185 fights and only 1 loss, and a professional record of 3 fights and only 1 loss. He is a four-time winner of the PAL National Title and received the 1981 National Golden Gloves Title. As a boxer, he represented the U.S. fighting in various countries some of which include Venezuela, Bolivia, Russia, Cuba, Ireland, and Romania. He was one of the few to defeat Pernell Whitaker in the amateurs. He also competed in the Olympic trials where his roommate was Evander Holyfield. His last greatest accomplishment was on September 28, 2024, when Ronnie was inducted to the New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame. Although Ronnie's boxing career had come to an end, he started a new fight battling cancer back and forth for several years, which sadly resulted in a loss.
A rosary will be recited on February 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church, 3424 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church. A GoFundMe - https://gofund.me/3816de8a - has been created to assist with the expenses.
Any donation or sharing of the link would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your kindness and support.

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Sign Joseph Ronnie Lee Rentz's Guest Book

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February 2, 2025

Rebecca Dunsavage Martinez posted to the memorial.

January 29, 2025

Genevieve Lisa Marie Barela posted to the memorial.

January 29, 2025

Riverside Funeral Home - Albuquerque posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Rebecca Dunsavage Martinez

February 2, 2025

I was very saddened to hear of Ronnie's passing. We first formed a friendship during our childhood, while students at La Luz Elementary. I still clearly remember when he began boxing when we were just kids. He was a natural, and it's no wonder he reached great heights with such talent at an early age. I have fond memories of his progression throughout this period of his life. He was unstoppable, and his boxing fame was a testament to his hard work. Although we remained friends throughout high school, and well into adulthood, the years seemed to pass us by and we very rarely saw eachother. Although he endured some hardships , and a few struggles, I still found him to be a truly authentic friend. Special memories of Ronnie will remain tucked in my heart.

God bless you Ronnie. You fought a hard fight, and now it's your turn to rest.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Dunsavage Martinez

Genevieve Lisa Marie Barela

January 29, 2025

Our hearts, love and prayers go out to our handsome Ronnie's, our family. No matter what last name we carry, the Lord's table is blessed with the most beautiful Abeytas. Ronnie is a wonderful kid. Always so kind when we went to visit his Great Granddad, Tio Louie Abeyta. And his beautiful grandparents, Louie & Priscilla. Beautiful Linda, like our Blessed Mother, you gave your heart to your brave son. Sadly now, you know her pain. God bless you. In loving memory of Tio Louie, primos Louie & Priscilla and my beautiful Grandma; Tia Gertrude, we send our condolences and love. Always. The Barelas. The loving daughters of Eluterio & Genevieve: Genevieve Lisa Marie, Julia Kathleen & family

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Riverside Funeral Home - Albuquerque

225 San Mateo NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

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Sign Joseph Ronnie Lee Rentz's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 2, 2025

Rebecca Dunsavage Martinez posted to the memorial.

January 29, 2025

Genevieve Lisa Marie Barela posted to the memorial.

January 29, 2025

Riverside Funeral Home - Albuquerque posted an obituary.