John Luna

1942-2018 John Luna, age 75, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 28, 2018 in Belen, New Mexico. John was born in 1942 in Bosque, New Mexico to Fidel and Tomasita Luna. He was the youngest of six children. John graduated from Belen High School in 1961 where he was an exceptional athlete participating in football, basketball, and track. He married the love of his life, Glenna Deemer in 1961. John and his family moved to San Jose, California in 1964 and began working for Ford Motor Company. Over twelve years, the couple welcomed six children into their home, and John worked very hard to support his family. His children remember him as a kind, gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Following the closing of Ford Motor Company, John retired as an Assembly Line Relief Supervisor, and in 1988 most of the family moved back to Belen, New Mexico. John was an all-star athlete in high school and has received many awards and honors, and friends and classmates still talk about his athletic accomplishments today. He was a generous, witty, dedicated individual who loved his family and friends and who would help out anyone that was in need. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was an active and dedicated supporter of the Special Olympics and often volunteered as a track and field coach, and was an assistant coach for the bowling team. John was also a devout Catholic and an active member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Those that know John referred to him as “Big John” that is because he stood out not only because of his height at 6’ 5” tall, but because of his larger than life personality that always made him the life of the party. John was loved by not only his immediate family, but all of his nieces and nephews, who many consider a father figure. John loved to cook for his family and friends and made the best homemade green chili stew and salsa in Belen. John and Glenna enjoyed going to the casino together; winning or losing they always had fun. For those that knew him well, they know he was as avid pool player and a boxing fan that had an amazing left jab. He loved watching football, whether it was seeing his kids and grandkids play or watching his alma mater the Belen Eagles, and he was also a longtime Forty-Niner and Raiders fan. His competitive nature made him a fighter to the end. John was happiest when spending time with his family and was so proud of all of them. He is preceded in death by his son, Richard Glen Luna; his father, Fidel Luna; his mother, Tomasita Luna; his brothers and sister, Robert Luna, Solomon Luna, Mary Gallegos and Ernest Luna. John is survived by his wife, Glenna Luna; children, John Luna (Chris Luna), Lisa Whalen (Kenny Whalen), Danny Luna, James Luna (Lindsay Luna), Vicky Baldonado (Jeff Baldonado); grandchildren, Justin Whalen, Tyler Luna, Brandon Gonzalez, Alyssa Luna, James Luna Jr., Ashley Gonzalez, Jacob Luna, Loraine Luna; great grandchildren, Alexis Whalen, Braydon Luna; and sibling, Raymond Luna. All services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Friday, February 2, 2018. A viewing will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life. The family would request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Albuquerque - 8500 Menaul Blvd. NE, Ste. A-500, Albuquerque, NM 87112. The family would also like to thank the caregivers at Ambercare hospice for their care and compassion. Please sign John’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM.

John Luna

March 28, 1942 - January 28, 2018