Johnny Frank Elwell

Johnny Frank Elwell, age 94, born June 24, 1929, in Moriarty, New Mexico, and a life-long resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully in the company of his family on Friday, April 19, 2024.  Johnny was preceded in death by his spouse of 68 years, Maxine “Tita” Elwell, his parents Felipe and Concha Elwell, brother Henry Elwell, half-brother Pete Elwell, half-sisters Tomasita Mora, Enalda Pohl, Atonia Mora, Vicky Griego and son-in-law Joseph Sandoval.

Johnny is survived by his sons, William A. Elwell and wife Ruth, Patrick L. Elwell, daughters Nancy A. Sandoval, Theresa M. Lovato, and husband Phillip.  Johnny is also survived by his sisters Lucy Gomez, Connie Gonzales and brother Richard Elwell.  Johnny’s grandchildren include Tyler S. Elwell, Brett M. Elwell and spouse Kaleigh, Tory M. Elwell; Jennifer A. Esquivel and husband Elijah; Isaac J. Sandoval, Jacob A. Sandoval and Kaitlyn A. Lovato and husband Felippe da Costa Rodrigues.  Johnny was most proud of his four great grandchildren, Laynee Jade and Myles Carter Rojas, Emilia Charlotte Esquivel and Charlie June Elwell.  Johnny is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members and close friends.

At the age of 15, Johnny withdrew from high school in an effort to support the family with additional income.  Johnny left the family ranch in Moriarty, New Mexico, in search of employment in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he served as a cook, beer salesman, contractor and many other employment experiences that led to an interesting and varied resume.  In 1956, Johnny became a member of the Albuquerque Fire Department as a Pipeman and after 28 years of service retired from the Albuquerque Fire Department in 1984 with the rank of Lieutenant.  At the time of his passing, Johnny was the oldest retired former firefighter with the Albuquerque Fire Department.  After his retirement from the Albuquerque Fire Department, Johnny was able to place his full-time efforts into his passion, which was the formation and successful operation of the Johnny F. Elwell Construction Company, where he specialized in the remodeling of existing homes.  Johnny was most at home working in his workshop where he fashioned beautiful wood furniture and keepsakes.  Johnny later became enthused in iron work and began fabricating iron doors and window coverings as well as whimsical iron lawn art and decorative pieces.  

Pallbearers will be William A. Elwell, Patrick L. Elwell, Tyler S. Elwell, Brett M. Elwell, Isaac J. Sandoval, and Jacob A. Sandoval. Honorary Pallbearers will be Aniseto Elwell, Ernie Lopez, Jose Salaz, Raymond Sanchez, Juan Vigil

A Rosary will be recited on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, 562 Atrisco Drive, SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 9:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church followed by internment at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 1900 Edith Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Gabaldon Mortuary in charge of arrangements.