John Allison Montenegro, 71, went home to be with his loved ones on Saturday, March 11, 2023, where he was surrounded by his family and listening to music he loved. He was born on December 10, 1951 to Juan P. and Sara M. (Allison) Montenegro.  

He graduated from Cobre High in 1969. He worked at the Hurley Store then worked and retired from Kennecott as a crane operator. Everyone who knew John, knew he was all about food and family. Once you were family, you were always family.  

John is survived by Laura Cahill and Loretta Montenegro.  His children Kristina Kennedy (Ryan) of Simi Valley, Johnny Montenegro III (Rita) of Hurley, NM, Robert Montenegro (Yajaira) of San Bernadino, CA, Gary Montenegro (Analicia) of Silver City, NM, Martin Montenegro (Vanessa) of Silver City, NM. His siblings are Louie Montenegro, Flora Montenegro, Gloria Childs, Lilly Hiler (Rick), Toni Montenegro-Mathis, George Montenegro, Sarah Quintana(Arthur) and Mark Montenegro (Lorraine). His nieces and nephews were all his kids as well. Lawrence, Louie (Julie), Elizabeth (Tony), Michelle, Santiago (Marissa), Perry, Stephanie (David), Angie (Brian), Albert, Alex, Sarah, Leo (Fareedah), Ali (Chandler), Jason (Denise), Karisma (Dallis), GJ (Scarlet), Lorraine (Pax), Arthur, Justin (Monica); 53 great nieces, nephews and cousins. He had two additional girls that were his daughters as well, Candida Marquez and Stephanie Godoy.

The Pallbearers will be all his grandchildren, Johnny Rey, Daisha, Martin, Lucy and Joseph Montenegro, Vincent and Jake Kennedy and Jacob Altamirano. Honorary Pallbearers are his remaining grandchildren, Alyssa, Aubrianna, Arabella, Andrea, Azalynn, Saoirse, Clover, and upcoming Baby Boy Montenegro, Lydia Brown, Britney Kennedy, James Raphael, Stevi Lynn, and Martin Marquez.  His numerous close family and friends that he held near and dear to his heart are too numerous to mention.  

He is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Sara Montenegro, two siblings who passed at infancy, Juanita and Charlie Montenegro, his sister in-law, Helen Montenegro; his nephew Avel Rios III, his two grandsons, Joseph Jimenez and Stephen Alex Brown, his great nieces Savannah Quintana and Amanda Rodriguez.  

Visitation will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 at Terrazas Funeral Chapels at 5:00pm-6:00pm, with the Holy Rosary commencing at 6:00pm with Deacon Art Gutierrez reciting. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 10:00am at Infant Jesus Shrine Catholic Church with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. The interment will immediately follow at Hurley Cemetery where he will be laid to rest.  

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.