Joseph "Joe" Gallegos

Joseph Anthony Gallegos, 91, died Tuesday, February 28 in Arvada, Colorado. Joseph was the son of Manuel “Lito” Gallegos and Carmela Niccoli.

Joe's enduring passion was teaching English to foreign students. He often taught for free and made lifelong friendships. He helped his ESL students navigate American culture, fill out job applications, and craft essays for entrance to college. In return, they visited him, helped him find his way around a computer, and brought him meals from their homeland. Joe was a founder of the ESL program at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Denver and taught at the Colorado School of English.

His other interests ranged from painting to writing; when John F. Kennedy died, the Denver Post published his letter eulogizing the popular president. Joe was also president of the Latin Club of Denver.

During the 1960s and 70s he participated in the successful drive to preserve historic 19th Century buildings along the 1400 block of Larimer Street. Many beautiful brick buildings in the area had already been demolished for parking lots. This drive was the foundation of the historic preservation movement in Colorado.

Joe was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Jordan Gallegos, his son Joe Gallegos, his brother Harold (Mary) Gallegos and his sister Gwen (Gene) Bylinsky. He's survived by his brother Don (Cheri) Gallegos, his daughters Linda Gallegos and Karen Fillman, and his son Dan Gallegos. He was active in the lives of his grandchildren and enjoyed their company: Andre Davis, Liz Fillman, David Fillman and Benji Gallegos.

The funeral will be held at noon, Saturday March 18th at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 1091 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80246. Feel free to share your memories of Joe on the Tribute Wall.