Joseph Leandro Gallegos Jr. passed in peace on May 26th at the age of 92.

Joseph was born in the coal mining town of Mutual, Colorado to Joseph Leandro Gallegos Sr. and Florence Mestas Gallegos. The family later moved to Walsenburg, Colorado where he spent most of his growing up years. During his youth he worked as a coal miner and later joined the Army where he proudly served in World War 2. His military service eventually led him to California where he met Carmen (Ortiz) Gallegos, his wife of 60 years, in Gilroy. During their many years together they were residents of Sacramento, Gilroy, and finally San Jose in their beloved state of California. He worked for Santa Clara County for 40 years in the parks department, road department, juvenile hall, and finally as a VTA Transit Operator. He was a man that found his solace in nature; taking every opportunity to enjoy camping, hiking, riding the back roads with his wife, and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife Carmen (Ortiz) Gallegos; his children Patricia Gallegos, Daniel Gallegos, Diana Gallegos, and Joseph Gallegos III; his sisters Elizabeth (Gallegos) Chavez, and Priscilla (Gallegos) Cuevas; his granddaughter Kimberly (Gallegos) Jenkins; his great-grandchildren Eliana Jenkins, Mackenzie Gallegos, Genevieve Jenkins, and Caleb Jenkins; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Anastacio, Eloy, Felipe, Patricia, Mary, Viola, Emily, Joe, John, Jake, and his grandson Joshua Gallegos.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at Gilroy Cathedral of Faith, 7250 Forest Street in Gilroy on Monday June 3rd from 7-8 PM. A brief graveside service will be held on Tuesday June 4th at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 West McCabe Road in Santa Nella, CA.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in his memory to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org, an organization that he loved and supported.