A Message of Gratitude from City Council President Klarissa J. Peña
Statement from President Peña and her family.
To our Albuquerque and New Mexico communities,
On behalf of the entire Peña family, I would like to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of support, prayers, and strength we have received. As many of you know, our beloved Albert Peña was reported missing on New Year’s Day. While this journey did not end with the outcome we so desperately hoped for, we are profoundly moved by the swell of support that rose up to meet us.
Albert was born on September 29, 1958, in Mountainair, NM, to Magdalena Garcia and Ernesto Peña. As the oldest of five children, he set a standard of strength and integrity for his siblings—Johnny, Candy, Frank, and Frank Rubio. He leaves behind one child, Jerry Salazar and his wife, Anastacia Salazar; seven grandchildren Jeremiah, Gabriel, Khloee, Xzander, Julieanna, Christopher, and Santiago; and four great-grandchildren, Valerie, Silas, Aiden, and Myla. He was very close with all his nieces and nephews- Albert, Johnny, Frankie, Santos, Desirae, Johnise and all of his sibling’s children.
Albert was a man of the mountains who found joy in the simple, honest things in life. A talented man who "knew how to fix anything," he was truly one of the hardest-working people you could ever meet. He had a passion for classic cars and motorcycles, and he loved nothing more than cruising around to visit friends and family. Albert never judged a soul; he made new friends wherever he went and had a heart large enough to rescue and care for many dogs over the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maggie and Ernie; his sister, Candy; and his niece, Roberta. He was also a cherished uncle who remained very close with all his nieces and nephews.
To the volunteers who joined the search, the neighbors who shared information, and the countless individuals who offered words of encouragement to Councilor Klarissa Peña, her husband Johnny, and our entire family—thank you.
We also ask you to join our family and thank all the law enforcement agencies who worked together in locating Albert. We respect the active investigation in Otero County. We ask for public patience as they work to provide answers to this tragedy.
After 37 years of marriage and deep roots in this community, Klarissa and Johnny consider Albuquerque their extended family. However, we ask for your consideration and space as we process this profound loss.
Albert was a man of integrity who will be loved dearly and missed forever. Thank you for helping us bring him home.
With deep appreciation and grace,
The Peña Family