San Jose Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico

12/4/2018

Buried By Neglect

As with many old cemeteries in Albuquerque, San Jose has fallen into a sad state of disrepair. It is no longer an active cemetery, meaning that new burials are being performed elsewhere and it doesn't seem that anyone is officially charged with it's upkeep. Meanwhile, city life goes on and the unkempt cemetery becomes a haven for tweakers and vandals.
Postscript: If you go there, don't be part of the problem. Remember the golden rule of visitation and photography: Leave only footprints, take only photographs.

San Jose Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. DeAnna Vincent

Vicente "El Picosito" Garcia

In these old cemeteries, it is unusual to find a new(ish) grave and especially one with a news story.

Buried here at San Jose Cemetery is Albuquerque boxer, Vicente "El Picosito" Garcia. In 2006, he was found shot to death in a car. The young boxer was only 20 years old.

Johnpaul and I were at the cemetery on November 17, 2018 and there had obviously been recent visitors to Vicente's grave as evidenced by the relatively fresh jack-o-lantern and half bottle of Modelo beer.

To learn more Vicente "El Picosito" Garcia and what happened to him, click here.

2 Comments

Carl

7/19/2021 08:49:24 pm

Such beautiful photos.

I visited this cemetery today. July 19th of 2021.

So sad to see this cemetery like this, but at the same time, it brings something unique and beautiful to take in.

I would like to know more about this cemetery.

Thank you for the tasteful, lovely, respectful photos of this place.

I am not from Albuquerque, just in town for business, but am really enjoying what Albuquerque has to offer.

Brian Meeks link

2/22/2022 12:43:41 pm

Meaning that new burials are being performed elsewhere and it doesn't seem that anyone is officially charged with it's upkeep. Thank you for sharing your great post!