John Jose Gutierrez

John Jose Gutierrez, 87, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away on March 26, 2026. He was born June 4, 1938, in Polvadera, New Mexico. As a teenager, John moved to Morenci, Arizona, where he ran track and played saxophone. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he picked up boxing and traveled extensively across Asia during his enlistment. John married Alice and settled in Upland, California, where they raised their son Mario. While working a range of jobs, rom bus driver to bomb manufacturer, he earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education from the University of La Verne. He went on to serve as a school guidance counselor in the Pomona Unified School District, shaping the lives of countless young people and enjoying Friday night football. In the early 2000s, John and Alice retired to Santa Fe, where they made many friends and continued to travel extensively until Alice's passing in 2017. He went on to marry Teresa, and together they enjoyed their years in Santa Fe. John was a deeply devoted Catholic who attended Mass daily. His faith was a steady and important part of his life. John loved cars, owning more than 30 over his lifetime. He enjoyed a good boxing match, read the newspaper every day, and traveled to all 50 states. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his son Mario, daughter-in-law Melanie, granddaughter Rosario, second wife Teresa, sister Priscilla, many beloved nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends.