Eric Cipriano Gallegos, age 39, was born May 6, 1983 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He passed away into God's loving arms on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, surrounded by his loving family members as we all held his hand and talked to him, letting him know how much he was loved and will be missed. Our hearts are broken and Eric has a place in our hearts forever. We lost such a strong man with a good heart. Eric has no more pain and we had to let him go. So we say rest in peace, Eric, our hearts shed tears and every tear is our love for you.

Eric will be remembered as a very intelligent, awesome and handsome man who was our rock, strength and courage. Eric spent the last few years fighting illness. His mind was strong and he fought until the end, never shed a tear, no matter what pain he was going through. Eric was the light of our family, always willing to keep a positive attitude and be there for our family. Some might say he was a mama's boy- ha ha, he was- He made his mom a better person, who was blessed and proud to be his mother. Eric was her life and gave her strength. He believed in God and in Heaven and he believed he would be made whole again with no more pain or suffering and he would be reunited with his family and friends.

Eric went to Ernie Pyle, West Mesa and then went on to receive an Associate Degree in Business at Brookline College, with a 4.0 grade point average. After High School, he lived in Denver, Colorado and then moved to Lamoore, California where he worked at Lemoore Naval Air Station and the Navy Exchange. Eric was a proud man and did not reach out to others about his illness, but knew who he could always count on.

Eric was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary Casias Chavez and Ramon Casias Sr. and Carmen Gutierrez Marez; his godmother and aunt, Lillian Gomez; aunts, Dolores Valdez, Sharon Casias and Reina Casias Sanchez; uncles, Carlos and Paul Casias and Mike Zamora; cousins, Gene Sanchez and Christopher Sanchez; his dogs, Milo, Husgie and Niya.

He is survived by his father, Thomas Gallegos-Gutierrez; mother, Eva Casias Martin; step-father, Emery Martin; brother, Robert Gallegos; aunt, Carol Lucero, uncle, Ray Anthony Casias; former uncle, Raymond Casias Jr.; aunts, Betty Zamora, Damacia "Dommy" Gallegos and Crystal Lovato; uncle, Alex Gutierrez and wife Theresa; his dogs, Nico, Jinger and Pachucho; many cousins; other family and friends who loved and will miss him greatly.

The family would like to thank the numerous family members and friends who sent many prayers for healing and comfort. Eric felt the love and it all helped him to stay strong in his faith and he knew when it was time to let go, go home to heaven and be made whole again. Thank you to his aunt Carol who Eric asked her to pray with him and receive a blessing and comfort through her hands and words. Thank you to his step-father, Emery who sent Eric on his way with a blessing and a safe journey. God bless your loving prayers and we are grateful for you and for this you will all be blessed. May God continue to bless us all. Services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 562 Atrisco Dr. SW., on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 9:00 am. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.