John James D'Amato, Jr.

John James D'Amato, Jr., age 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Bosque Farms, New Mexico, on March 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. John lived a life dedicated to his family, his profession, and the many people he served throughout his distinguished legal career.

John was born in Hammonton, New Jersey, on March 30, 1955, to John James D'Amato, Sr. and Elizabeth D'Amato. He later pursued his passion for the law, graduating from California Western School of Law in 1986, where he earned his Juris Doctor and was a member of Phi Alpha Delta.

John served as legal counsel for the New Mexico Sheriffs' Association and the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, where he devoted many years to advocating for law enforcement officers throughout the state. Over the years, he received numerous recognitions for his service, including being named "Person of the Year" by the New Mexico Sheriffs' Association.

John married Michelle Sanchez on October 23, 2010. Together, they built a life centered around their beautiful blended family: John D'Amato III, Jennifer, Tristan, and Teryn, along with numerous grandchildren.

John never met a person he didn't like and who didn't like him. He helped others at every opportunity, often taking on many cases pro bono in addition to his demanding workload. His generosity, kindness, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. John also loved riding his Harley and often took trips throughout New Mexico with Michelle, enjoying the open road and the beauty of the Southwest.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John James D'Amato, Sr. and Elizabeth D'Amato.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle; his children, John Ill (Jennifer)D'Amato, Jennifer (Manny) Heredia, Tristan (Zachary) Taylor, and Teryn Torrez (Jacob McCarty); his sister, Elizabeth Tomasello; his parents-in-law, Hazel and Chris Martinez; his brother-in-law, Leroy J. Sanchez, Jr. (Ramona); his sisters-in-law, Alicia Ortiz y Martinez and Ana Ortiz y Martinez (Eric), and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

John's memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Services for John will take place on Thursday, April 2, at the Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley in Belen, NM. A visitation will be held at 9:30 am, followed by a memorial service at 10:00 am. A reception will immediately follow at 11:00 am.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com


 

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