David E. Gallegos

June 17, 1926 – October 26, 2018. David Ernest Gallegos, age 92, passed away suddenly on October 26, 2018, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. David was born on June 17, 1926 in Center, Colorado, the son of the late Manuel and Lillie Gallegos. David graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1944 and was a varsity football player while at St. Michael’s. After graduation, he served for several years as a United States Merchant Marine. After his service, David married his high school sweetheart, Helen Gallegos, and raised three children in Santa Fe.
David was a skilled boot and shoemaker, who operated the Square Deal Shop, the business his father operated in 1930 in a storefront on Burro Ally, in downtown Santa Fe. In the 1960's, David took over Square Deal and produced quality handmade leather boots, shoes, belts, and purses. After years of laborious practice, time spent bent over machines patiently working out beautiful designs in decorative stitching and carefully building sturdy arches, David developed into one of the Southwest's finest boot makers. His clientele ranged from New Mexico to Hollywood. He retired in 2010 and enjoyed driving his wife to the bingo, socializing with his friends and family, and watching football games and western movies.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Lillie Gallegos, sisters Velma Gallegos, Mable Crane, and Marvene Vigil, brother, Manuel Gallegos, wife, Helen Gallegos, and son, David Gallegos II. He is survived by his daughters: Velma Sanchez of Eldorado and husband Chuck; and Sandra Gallegos Payne and her husband Douglas Payne of Santa Fe; eight beloved grandchildren, their spouses; sixteen great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends for his loving spirit and unbelievable generosity.
A viewing will be held at the Rivera Funeral Home in Santa Fe on Sunday, November 4, at 5:00 p.m. and a rosary at 7:00 p.m. There will be a mass at St. John’s Catholic Church on Monday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11:15 a.m. following the mass. A reception will follow.
Thank you to all the caring staff at Santa Fe Care that provided care to David.