Albert Otero

Albert Otero, age 88, born in San Fidel, New Mexico, and resident of Los Lunas, passed away Friday, August 17, 2018 with his family by his side.  Mr. Otero is survived by his beloved wife, Flora Otero; daughter, Carmen Daniels and husband, Randy; sons, Daniel Otero, Patrick Otero and wife, Esther, Dominic Otero and fiancé, Marie; grandchildren, Jenifer Daniels-Knuuti and husband, Robert, Jarod Daniels; step-grandchildren, Fabian, Leon, Tiffany and Adrian; step-great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Eli, Mia and Max; sisters-in-law, Susie Otero, Inez Otero, Lucy Diaz, Candelaria Chavez and brother-in-law, Nestor Cordova.  Mr. Otero was preceded in death by his parents, Tranquillo and Cleotilde Otero; siblings, Juan, Jose, Sydney, Ruth, Marian, John, Fidel, Margaret, Tranquillo, Vicente and Wilfred; in-laws, Eulalio and Juanita Cordova.

Mr. Otero attended school at St. Joseph Mission Catholic school in San Fidel, NM until 8th grade.  He joined the Seminary in Cincinnati, OH as a freshman in high school.  Albert missed his family deeply and returned to San Fidel before entering his senior year.  He graduated early in December of 1947 and in 1950 joined the Army where he served in the Korean Conflict.   Albert was stationed in the Iron Triangle in Korea and was squad Sergeant of the 25th Infantry Division.  He was also stationed in Camp Carson, Colorado and was honorably discharged in 1952.  Albert worked at Kirtland Airforce Base, first as a guard and then at the Tire Store followed by produce manager at the commissary where he retired in 1985.  He only missed two days of work and received numerous awards during his years working on the base.   Albert was a devout Catholic and along with Flora are members of the San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas.  He was a certified catechist and volunteered in all ministries, except as a Eucharistic Minister.   Albert volunteered in the community for the Fire Department, the Territorial Board and the Library Board.  Albert was a wonderful storyteller and an outstanding artist.  His children, nieces and nephews loved listening to his stories about life and his family growing up in San Fidel and his experiences while stationed in Korea.

A visitation will be held Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at San Clemente Catholic Church, 244 Luna Ave., Los Lunas, NM; a rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian burial to follow at 10:00 a.m.   A committal service will be held on Friday, August 24, 2018 at 9:45 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be nephews, Ronald Williams, John Otero, Albert Otero, Fidelito Otero, Tom Otero, Pete Otero and Oscar Portillo.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jennifer Daniels-Knuuti, Jarod Daniels and Jackie Otero.