Adelmo R. Valdez
Age 79, a resident of El Salto, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on July 23, 2024 after a long illness at the VA Hospital. He was preceded in death by his son Richard (Ricky) Valdez; father Francisco Valdez, mother, Adelina Apodaca Valdez; siblings Joe Valdez (Gertrude), Tony Valdez; nephews Steve Valdez, Carlos Valdez; niece Theresa Valdez Rossard; father-in-law, Frank Martinez and mother-law, Angelina Martinez; brother-in-law Paul Martinez (Nikolas) nephews John Jon Gallegos; niece Sarah Gonzales. Adelmo is survived by his family: wife Virginia Valdez; daughters Carla Valdez, Christine Valdez (David); granddaughters Nicole Valdez, Vanessa Valdez, Julie Valdez and Angelina Valdez. Two great-grandsons, Bentley and Orion D’Alessandro; brother Ben Valdez (Tina), sister-inlaw Eva Valdez; sisters-in-law Becky Duran, Berlinda Gonzales (James), Stella Gallegos (Johnny); Sylvia Martinez; brothers-in-law, Moises Martinez (Dolores), Tomas Duran and many nieces and nephews. Adelmo lived in Taos County and several years in Cheyenne, Wyoming where he worked at F.E. Warren Air Force base. He finally returned to his roots in Taos and made his home in El Salto. He enjoyed the outdoors, he liked fishing. When he wasn’t working, he helped Virginia attend to their granddaughters. He was active in the community bringing the food commodity program to his community. He also ran the program and distributed the food. Adelmo served in the US Army. He was a Vietnam veteran. He was a businessman, owner of Casa de Colores and a paint contractor. He was hard working and a good provider to his family, but his struggle with PTSD made life difficult. When he wasn’t fighting his demons, he did the best he could and led a good life and his family never abandoned him. The family appreciates the staff and the VA in Albuquerque where Adelmo received care for several years. Before his passing, it was suggested that he be taken to hospice, a building across from the hospital. The many staff that cared for him or knew him, said “No, he is family, and he belongs here.” On the day of his crossing over, there was a final salute (honor walk) through the halls where hospital staff gathered to honor him for his service. It was powerful and very touching. Adelmo will be missed, but God has him in His keeping. We believe that death is not the end but the beginning of a new journey. Forever be at Peace. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 10:00am at Holy Trinity Parish in Arroyo Seco, burial will follow at 1:00pm at the Angel Fire Veterans Cemetery. The family of Adelmo R. Valdez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com