George Henry Abeyta, 83, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, peacefully passed away on July 27, 2026. George was born on April 5, 1943, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he began a life deeply rooted in family, food, and community.

George is now reunited with those who passed before him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Manuela Abeyta; his siblings, Sonny Abeyta, Jamie Abeyta, Ella Bonner, and Cordelia "Cookie" Montoya; his son, Joseph Abeyta; his beloved grandson, Jonathan Abeyta.

He is survived by his sisters, Angela Rivera and husband Manuel and Stella Gonzales and husband Lee; his children, George Michael Abeyta Jr., Gilbert Abeyta, Deborah Dell and husband Lance, Daphne Hegge and husband William, and Gracie Abeyta; his grandchildren, Derek Abeyta, Randy Harbour, Stephanie Abeyta, Samantha and husband Adrian Lopez, and Destiny Abeyta; and his great-grandchildren, Melody Abeyta, Karla Abeyta, and Luca Lopez.

George was born and raised in Albuquerque. At a young age, his mother taught him how to make red chile, sparking a lifelong passion for cooking and bringing people together over a delicious meal.

His culinary career began at Baca's, and he went on to help shape the culture of New Mexican cuisine as we know it today. He is best known for his 36-year tenure as Executive Chef at Garduño's of Mexico Restaurant & Cantina, where he spent more than three decades helping build one of Albuquerque's most iconic restaurant groups. His dedication, talent, and commitment to authentic New Mexican cooking left a lasting influence on Albuquerque's dining scene.

Over the course of four decades as a professional chef, George earned widespread respect for his mastery of traditional, time-honored recipes and regional flavors.

Later in life, George stepped away from the restaurant industry and became a bus driver for the Rio Rancho Public Schools. He genuinely enjoyed the work, and the children on his route looked forward to riding the bus with him because of his warm personality and caring nature.

In 2012, George reunited with Dave Garduño and served as Executive Chef at Chile Rio Mexican Grill in Albuquerque. There, he continued creating innovative New Mexican dishes while honoring the traditions that had defined his career. Later, he partnered with James Pecherski at Casa Taco, helping manage the Albuquerque location and playing a key role in launching the new restaurant.

George possessed a remarkably generous heart and an unwavering love for his family. Nothing mattered more to him than bringing the people he loved together. Even as his health declined, he remained determined to gather family and friends around his table, where everyone was welcome. Food, laughter, and celebration were the ways he showed his love, and he created countless memories that will be cherished for generations. George also loved to travel, and Costa Rica was among his favorite destinations.

George will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His kindness, generosity, extraordinary culinary talent, and devotion to family leave behind a legacy that will live on in every meal shared, every tradition continued, and every life he touched. George always had a positive attitude in life while he was challenged with health issues the past eight years of his life.

He enjoyed surrounding himself with his family on holidays, special occasions, barbeques, breakfast, lunch and dinners. He took pride in the kitchen cooking & teaching his authentic new mexican recipes.

He devoted his career in the restaurant industry rising to executive chef overseeing the recipes and operation of Garduno Restaurants.

He frequently attended Legacy Church on Sunday and was baptized in 2023.

He enjoyed having his morning coffee on the front porch while he prayed for his family.

He also enjoyed watching football and basketball and was a New Mexico Lobo fan.

Please join us in celebrating George's life and legacy on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Legacy Church - East Campus, 4701 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87111, where viewing will start at 9:00 a.m. followed by a service at 10:00 am.  A recepton will follow also at the church from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Food will be provided by Casa Taco.  Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.