Geno Orlando Gallegos, 45, of Fruita, Colorado, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, he found comfort in his family’s embrace.
Geno was born on April 3, 1979, in Montrose, Colorado, to Wiggs (William) Gallegos and Mary (Ramos) Gallegos. He spent his childhood in Craig, Colorado, where he showed a passion for sports, especially taekwondo, which he excelled at and devoted much of his teenage years to mastering.
Becoming a father early in life to Alexus profoundly shaped the man he became. Later, he married at 22 years old, and he welcomed two more children, Amara and Geno, who were among his greatest accomplishments. As they raised their young family, hosting gatherings for friends and family was something they enjoyed. Their door was open for all. Geno had a large impact on so many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his children's friends, offering guidance and support whenever they needed it.
Geno earned his high school diploma from R5 High School and pursued studies at Mesa College. He embarked on various career ventures, including an entrepreneurial chapter, and he moved his family to Montrose to open Champion Rent to Own. He later returned to the Grand Valley, which had been his true home for over 30 years.
Geno was known as a “Social Butterfly” with an unmatched charisma. He had a magnetic energy, a knack for bringing the party together, and a love for life that was contagious. Whether fishing, hunting, 4-wheeling, attending concerts, cheering on the Broncos, exploring his love for animals, or crafting his latest batch of “Geno’s Vino,” he filled his years with adventure.
Though his battle with cancer lasted far too long, it never defined him. He faced life’s challenges with courage, strength, and perseverance. Above all, he was a devoted son, father, and grandfather—Ava, Aleigha, Ophelia, Sol, and Noa—who were the light of his life. “Lil G” was his mini-me; he enjoyed watching him compete on the wrestling mat and relating to him through their love of music.
Geno’s professional life was equally impressive. His final career was as a chemical operator for TOTAL Cray Valley, where he worked tirelessly and climbed the ranks to become a Senior Operator. His strong work ethic was evident to everyone around him, and he was grateful for the community he found there.
Geno is survived by his beloved children, Alexus Garcia, Amara Gutierrez, and Geno Gallegos; his grandchildren, Ava, Aleigha, Ophelia, Sol, and Noa; his cherished mother, Mary (Ramos) Gallegos; and his siblings Colleen, Darren, Greg, Anthony, Ronnie, Dianne, Valerie, Glenda, Gina, and Manuel. He was preceded in death by his father, Wiggs (William) Gallegos, and his brother, Randy “The Mayor” Padilla.
Geno lived a vibrant life, bringing people together, spreading laughter with his ornery humor and unwavering spirit. People often say, “Death brings people together,” but for Geno, it was his *life* that united everyone around him. His legacy of strength, love, and connection will live on through his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A funeral service will be held on January 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Martin’s Mortuary, with burial to follow at the Orchard Mesa Cemetery. A celebration of life will take place from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at The Grand Valley Oasis Venue. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to his GoFundMe to create an honorable memorial bench for his gravesite.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
