Johnny S. Volpato passed away at his home in Raton NM, on June 2, 2024, surrounded by his family and loved ones. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, June 15th at Lighthouse Church in Raton, NM at 10 a.m. and a graveside service is also scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd at Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Carlsbad NM, at 2 p.m. Following the graveside service there will be a celebration of life at the Balzano Vineyard, 5230 7 Rivers Hwy., Carlsbad NM.
Johnny was born June 30, 1937, in Brilliant NM, to Enrico and Gemma (Jema-Balzano) Volpato. The family then moved to Koehler NM, where Johnny attended school. In 1946, Johnny moved to Maxwell, NM to help his family run the family farm and dairy. He graduated from Maxwell High School in May 1955. After graduation, he moved to Carlsbad NM, to work for his aunt and uncle, Claude and Kay McCausland, at the airport for the summer. In the fall Johnny enrolled at the University of New Mexico, majoring in pharmacy. He also joined the Sigma Chi fraternity where he made numerous lifelong friends. Johnny graduated in 1960 with a Pharmacy degree and had also enlisted in the Air Force Reserve. He had the rank of Captain and served his duty at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, NM. After graduation, Johnny took a position at Community Drug in Albuquerque where he met Elaine Henry. Johnny and Elaine were married in 1961 and moved to Carlsbad NM, to work at Platt Drug. His son Jack was born in 1961 and his daughter Sherry was born in 1963. In 1967, Johnny became employed at Corner Drug Store and then bought the store in 1967. He was elected to the Carlsbad City Council in 1968 and served until 1980 and was Mayor pro tem. Johnny was a founding member of the Carlsbad Jaycees and served on the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, American Bank Board, and was a member of the Elks Lodge. He also served on the New Mexico Amigos from 1975 to 1980.
Johnny loved the outdoors and had a passion for gardening, flowers, and plants. He was very adventurous, and would often go caving, hiking, and camping. He was also a thrill seeker, owning a hang glider, and hot air balloon, and on one occasion attempted skydiving.
In 1980, his wife Elaine passed away, and at that time Johnny came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior. In 1985, he moved to Raton NM, and worked at his brother’s pharmacy, Kenn’s Pharmacy. He met Mary Bird at church, and they were married in 1986. Mary and Johnny lived on Bartlett Mesa Road in the mountains, surrounded by wildlife and flowers. They were well known for their care of the bears on the mountain. Mary passed away in a tragic car accident in 2005. Johnny married Ellen Sharknas in 2006 and relocated off the mountain and lived in Raton NM. Johhny was a Colfax County Commissioner from 2002 to 2006. He retired as a pharmacist from Miner’s Colfax Hospital in 2013. He was very involved with Crime Stoppers and his church until he passed away. One of Johnny’s most passionate causes was Kairos prison ministry. He would go once a month, for the weekend to the prison in Dalhart, TX, and minister to the inmates. He recounted many stories of inmates finding God and would give them hope. He would pray and share his testimony with anyone in need.
Survivors include his wife, Ellen, of Raton, NM, his son Jack and (Julie) of Carlsbad, NM, and his daughter, Sherry and (Steve) Boyd of Carlsbad, NM. Step-children Lorna and Michael Calley of Naples Fl, Tim and Chrisy Bird of Raton NM, Robin Bird of Phoenix AZ, Tina Bird of Raton, NM, Daniel Zimmer and Michelle of McKinney Tx, Kristine and Scot Dees of Trinidad CO, Kendra and Edgar Paz of La Veta CO, Susan Sharknas of Trinidad CO, and John David Sharknas of Trinidad, CO, along with 20 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Enrico (Rico) and Gemma (Jema) Volpato, and both wives Elaine and Mary Volpato, and step-son Jim Bird.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions given to the Kairos Prison Ministry, PO Box 44, Dalhart TX, 79022, or your charity of choice.
Arrangements for Johnny S. Volpato are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
