Joe passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026 at age 96.  Joe was born to Casiano and Sophia (Chavez) Montano on September 3rd 1929 in Barelas New Mexico. Born at the beginning of the great depression he started work at age 9 and stopped his education at ninth grade to work full-time, at any job he found. He was proud to serve in the U. S Army during the Korean War, and proudly flew the US flag daily. 

After his Army service, he married Lillian( Apodaca) Montano, until her passing in 2015, Joe was employed by APS as a Supervisor in maintenance, for 35 years. After retirement, he worked as a school crossing guard in the South Valley for 20 years, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of St. Anne's church where he ushered for 60 years, Joe is remembered for being a caring, helpful, resourceful, love of life person. He also built his own home.

 Joe is preceded by siblings, Lorenzo, Ignacio, Manuel, and Lucy.  Joe was the youngest of his family. He is survived by sons, Joe Jr. Charles, Carl. grandchildren, Mark, James, Daniel, Dianna, great-grandchildren, Isaiah ,Lauren, Aubrey, miles, Millie, Easton. and many nieces and nephews.  A rosary for Joe will be on March 25th, at 7:00 pm and funeral mass on March 26th at 9:00 am at St. Anne's Catholic Church 1400 Arenal road. S.W. Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the caring and compassionate professionals at

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

"Our Family Serving Yours"