John Charos, 73, affectionately known as Leroy to his family and friends, passed away on Dec. 24, 2024, after a long health battle. He passed away under the compassionate care of his Hospice team in Albuquerque, N.M.
Leroy was born on Nov. 2, 1951, in Monte Vista, Colo., to Louis and Refugio Charos.
Throughout his life, Leroy worked on farms far and wide which took him from Colorado to California before he eventually settled in the beautiful Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. He worked with the New Mexico Department of Transportation in San Ysidro and remained there for nearly 30 years working his way into an assistant supervisor position before retiring. Leroy was one of many volunteers who helped build the new sanctuary for the Jemez Springs Presbyterian Church in the late 1980s. Leroy was a man of faith and those left behind can be at peace knowing he is with the Lord.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Louise, sons Paul, Patrick, Phillip and wife Clarissa, and his beloved Brenda.
He is survived by his daughter Savannah Gilbert, his sister Dolly McClellan, brothers Floyd Charos, Tom Charos, and Harry Charos, nieces Katherine Gilbert, Sheila Charos-Howell, Jetty Kuhr, Michelle Garcia, Jeanette Charos, nephews Luke Charos, Daniel Farewell, and Donald Farewell, and his heart daughters Debi Kennedy and Rachel Gallagher.
Cremation was chosen and a Memorial Service/Celebration of Life to be held later in the year at the Jemez Springs Presbyterian Church with a short cemetery burial service to follow. Leroy’s daughter, Savannah, will announce when the services will be held as soon as the date is decided. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Leroy’s memory to the Jemez Springs Presbyterian Church or to an animal rescue of your choosing.
