Emilio Jose Otero

July 23, 1948 - September 30, 2021

1948 -2021 Emilio J. Otero, 73, passed away on September 30, 2021, at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. He is rejoicing in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Emilio was born on July 23, 1948. He is preceded in death by his parents, Oralia and Raymond Otero and brother, Carlos Otero. Emilio is survived by his wife of 50 years, Violet Chavez Otero; daughter, Julie Utash and son-in-law Jeremy Utash; daughter, Venessa Tregembo and son-in-law, Brian Tregembo; his six grandchildren, Jordan Harvey and husband Jack; JC Utash and wife Micah; James and Jonah Utash; and Jaxon and Ryder Tregembo. Also surviving are Emilio’s sisters, Theresa Murray and husband Don; and Prescilla DiPaola; brother, Richard Otero and partner, Nick Zimmer; brother-in-law C.B. Chavez and sister-in-law, Vicky Otero. Emilio graduated from Los Lunas High School in 1966. He attended New Mexico Highlands University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spring of 1970. Emilio proudly served as a navigator in the United States Air Force from 1970-1976, achieving the rank of Captain. Captain Otero flew 150 combat refueling missions in Viet Nam and received an Air Medal with several oak leaf clusters for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. He also earned a Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. After his separation from the Air Force, he earned a Masters in Art Education from the University of New Mexico. Emilio held teaching positions in Los Lunas Schools and Albuquerque Public School. He was employed as an Air Traffic Controller and went on to retire from the US Postal Service. Emilio enjoyed working on real estate projects. He loved finding property, working on homes and meeting people in this social line of work. Many of his business associates respectfully referred to him as Don Emilio. Throughout his life, Emilio and Violet traveled extensively to many parts of the world, including numerous trip through Europe, cruising, traveling throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada, South America, Africa and Israel. Emilio enjoyed playing golf, fishing, camping, working on his art projects, carving and painting. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren how to make their own art projects. Working on and driving his classic cars was also one of his favorite pass times. He was also very busy working on construction and landscaping projects. Emilio attended Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque and enjoyed studying scripture. He was blessed to have been baptized in the Jordan River by Pastor Skip. Emilio’s happiest times were spending times with his family. He wanted to thank his team of doctors at UNM cancer center, including Dr. Dulcinea Quintana, Dr. Cowen, and Dr. Esme Findley on his palliative care team. He also wanted to thank his sister-in-law Vicky Otero, RN who helped care for him during his final weeks. The family would like to thank everyone who sent up prayers during Emilio’s illness. A Memorial service celebrating Emilio’s life will be held at Calvary Church of Albuquerque located at 4001 Osuna Rd. NE on Thursday, October 14 at 10:00 am. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:30 am. Cremation has taken place and interment at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe will take place at a later time. Please sign Emilio’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM