Obituary of Carlos Leroy Gallegos

Carlos Leroy Gallegos has been called home unexpectedly. He died in the arms of Jesus Christ on July 14,2020 in his native town of Tucson, Arizona. Carlos died from COVID-19 at his nursing home and his family could not be present to say their final goodbyes, however he knows he was very loved. His family is devastated and broken at this time. Carlos was preceded in death by his beloved Mother, Adeline Gallegos, his Father Edward J. Gallegos, and his sister Helen Gallegos. Carlos is survived by the Mother of his children, Teresa Rodriguez, his Daughter, Jaclyn Gallegos, his Son, Anthony Gallegos, his step Daughter Nicole Hairabedian, and his Granddaughter Angelica Fregoso. Carlos was a very hard working business man. He thrived at everything he did and took great pride in his family. He would always say “If it’s hard, make it harder”. Carlos, was born in Aurora, CO on May 7, 1949 to his parents Adeline and Edward Gallegos a Navy veteran and fire marshal. He is the 3rd born out of 4 siblings. Carlos grew up in Tucson and went to Tucson High where he was then drafted to serve in the United States Army and serve two terms in the Vietnam war. He was in combat in the 101stairborne and received a bronze star for his efforts in the hostile conditions that he faced. Carlos was very proud of his military background and his time spent in the war. He would always tell everyone his unbelievable stories of what he endured in the war but was very proud. After the war, Carlos went to live in Orange County California where he pursed a BA in business at Fullerton College. Carlos met the mother of his children, Teresa Rodriguez a native of Los Angeles California. They had two children together, Jaclyn Gallegos in 1981 and Anthony Gallegos in 1984. They lived in Brea, Ca. Carlos got into real estate and also had a business in Uptown Whittier with his wife Teresa called Clothes Around the Clock for 16 years. Carlos took pride in Clothes Around the Clock where he sold rare vintage clothing and rented authentic costumes. In 1987, Carlos and Teresa lost their business to the Whittier Narrows earthquake only to rebuild. Carlos always rebuilt himself no matter what challenges in faced. He was known for rebuilding and becoming successful. Carlos took state champ in Gymnastics in high school, later to become a black belt in Tai Kwando, and a disco dance instructor. Carlos would love to dance to Disco and Tejano music and if you couldn’t dance he wouldn’t want to dance with you. Carlos,  later returned to Tucson, Arizona after hitting rock bottom and losing everything 1995 with only a shirt on his back to only rebuild himself back up by getting into real estate and opening a Tejano nightclub called Park Ave. Along the way Carlos would have suffered three strokes and two heart attacks that left him with speech impairment, however this did not stop Carlos from still functioning. He would always joke he was a like an old car but with low miles in reference to his body and mind. Carlos raised his children to be strong and to never give up on anything. He was so very proud of his Son, Anthony who serves in the United States Air Force and his step daughter Nicole who joined the United States Marines. Although Carlos couldn’t really speak in his last few years he knew what was going on with his sharp mind and his eyes would light up once we announced Nicole was joining the Marines. Carlos is very proud of his family for surviving the trial and errors they all endured in life  however the legacy he leaves behind with them will never be forgotten. The Gallegos family is truly blessed to have Carlos as their Father and mentor and he will be missed deeply.