Leo Montano Jr.

May 14, 1924 - January 8, 2021

1924-2021 Leo Montaño Jr., age 96, a resident of Los Chavez, NM, passed away on January 8, 2021 He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice Montaño; sons, Michael and Victor Montaño; brothers, Paul, Florencio, Pat, and Tito Montaño; and granddaughters Stephanie Baca and Monique Montaño. Leo is survived by his children, Leonard Montaño, wife Rosemarie; Theresa Lucero, husband, LeeRoy; and daughter, Emily Montaño; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. The legacy of Leo Montaño, goes back a long way. After surviving the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, Leo came home to marry his sweetheart, Alice Castillo. After 25 years in Albuquerque, they moved to Los Chavez and lived there for the remainder of their lives. Leo, a general contractor with one of the earliest contractor’s licenses in New Mexico, built many homes in the area and also a Los Chavez landmark, Montaño Plaza, where he became known as “The King of Chicharrones”. Come chile season, you could count on the aroma of roasting green chile filling the air. A hot tortilla, a few chicharrones, some green chile…you’re in Heaven. Leo added on to Montaño Plaza until it became what you see today. It was there that his children and grandchildren earned their rite of passage learning to make jerky, chicharrones, bread, tamales, ristras, roast and peel sacks of chile; all lessons at Grandpa’s school of work ethics. Once, when asked what skills and trades he’d performed in his lifetime, Leo grabbed a yellow legal pad and scribbled down the following list: machine operator at Pugent Sound Naval base, barber, watch repairman, brick mason, stone mason, cement finisher, lath and plasterer, cook and restaurant operator, painter, jerky plant operator, welder, butcher, meat cutter, plumbing work, electrical, painting and lettering. There was nothing he couldn’t do; if he set his mind to do it, it would get done. If someone would say there wasn’t a way, he would invent one. He had a million ideas and inventions going through his mind, always creating even at the end. He was a Jack-of all trades and master of most! Leo loved to play cards and would challenge his friends, children and grandchildren to his favorite game of Conquian. Although Leo grew progressively blind with the years, you could never underestimate him, the sly fox, or La Zorra as he was called, would somehow manage to figure out the cards he was holding in his hands and then, without mercy, he would throw down all 11 cards at once beating his opponent. The Dodgers made Leo a very happy man in 2020, winning the World Series. Leo loved the Dodgers! We don’t believe it is just by coincidence that he and Tommy LaSorda, former manager of the Dodgers, would enter the Pearly Gates on the same day! Leo, loved all of the culture and traditions that he grew up with in New Mexico and wanted this rich history to be part of his family’s legacy. He was brought up hunting, farming, baking, preserving foods and trading local products for livestock at his dad’s mercantile. Every winter Leo would take his sons and grandchildren hunting; braving the snow and cold they would bring home an antelope, elk, or deer. Weeks later the family would sit around enjoying the home-made jerky. Upon retirement, in his 60’s, this love birthed his traditional foods store, “Leo’s Beef Jerky” ~ King of Chicharrones. Leo Montaño was well known and loved in his community. In his 96 years, he touched the lives of hundreds whether as husband, father, grandfather, business owner, mentor, teacher, or friend. Through the gifts and many lessons he has shared, his legacy will live on. Like Leo would always say, “Thanks for the memories!” We thank you for being part of his rich life. Graveside services will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery-date to follow. All services will be carried out in compliance with Covid restrictions. We thank you for your understanding. Please sign Leo’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM