Livorio "Lee" Lovato

Livorio “Lee” Lovato, age 85, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving

family. Born on April 16, 1939, in Villanueva, New Mexico, Lee’s life was a testament to his faith,

family, and hard work. He was raised in a large family but a small community that instilled in him a

strong sense of faith. He was a committed Catholic his entire life and it was this faith that was a

driving force in his immutable love for his family.

Lee was a dedicated husband to Carol, his loving wife of 62 years. They met as students at

Highlands University. Lee was drafted into the United States Army and they married after his

honorable discharge. They moved to Albuquerque, NM and lived there for most of their married

lives.

Lee was a devoted father to James (Laura) Lovato, Janet (Mike) Lyons, and Martha (Winston) Tse,

teaching them the value of education and hard work. He was also a very proud grandfather to seven

grandchildren, Sam, Ben, Gillian, Maria, Sirena, Maya, and Gabriel and shared with them his love of

fishing, walks in the park and tailgate ice cream parties.

Lee was a hardworking man who built a career as an accountant, seizing on the training he received

during his tenure in the Army. He was an accomplished soldier and was always very proud of his

service to his country. Lee’s work ethic took him from very simple beginnings to being a husband

and father who provided great opportunity to his family, allowing them to flourish and pursue their

own aspirations. Lee was also a sociable man who never forgot a face or name and always found

new friends through his gift of conversation and compliments. He was always willing to give a

helping hand. He was a loving and loyal brother and son, never too busy to help family in need and

his commitment and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten.

Lee is survived by his brother John Lovato and sisters Mary Cox and Helen Valles. He is preceded

in death by his siblings Senobia Solano Gonzales, Louise Cox, Tina Ortiz, Isidro Lovato, and Tacho

Lovato, and his parents Francisco and Francisca Lovato.

A funeral service will be held on May 20, 2025 in Albuquerque, NM at Risen Savior Catholic Church.

Visitation will start at 8:30 am, followed by a rosary at 9:00 am and mass at 9:30 am. The burial

service will be held at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM at 1:30 pm. A reception will be held

immediately following at Santa Fe Funeral and Cremation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Albuquerque Public Schools Education

Foundation in Lee’s memory.