David C. Gallegos Jr.

David Gallegos, Jr., a legendary naval aviator and officer, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025. Born in Alice, Texas, in 1930, his life was a testament to dedication, courage, and a lifelong love of flight.

From a young age, David was inspired by aviation pioneer Howard Hughes, carrying Hughes' quotes as a personal guide. This inspiration fueled his journey to earning his pilot's license at just 16 years old in 1945, setting the stage for a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy.

David's naval career began in 1952, marked by his first solo flight in the SNJ Texan Trainer AT-6 and carrier qualifications aboard the USS Monterrey (CV-26) in the F6F-5 Hellcat. He excelled in advanced training, mastering iconic aircraft like the F9F-6 Hellcat and the T-33 Shooting Star. A world tour in 1954 aboard the USS Hornet (CVA-12) with Fighter Squadron 93, the Blue Blazers, honed his skills and established him as a trusted pilot. As a Flight Instructor from 1956, he inspired countless naval aviators with his knowledge and passion.

His expertise expanded as a key member of Aircraft Ferry Squadron 31 in 1959, where he flew an array of aircraft, including the A3D Sky Warrior, often carrying nuclear payloads. David cherished his time as a ferry pilot, especially flying classic propeller planes. He found joy in the scenic flights that allowed him to appreciate the beauty of America from above. He found his happiest moments being alone high in the air, with just him, the oxygen, and the cold air rushing past the cockpit. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he served with distinction aboard the USS Independence (CVA-62). From 1964 to 1965, he served as an Aviation Safety Officer, implementing crucial safety protocols.

In 1967, David achieved the rank of Commander. His final active duty post was at NAS Glenview, Illinois, from 1970 to 1973, where he served as Operations Officer and Director of Personnel. Decorated with honors including the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation, David retired in 1973.

Beyond his aviation career, David was a voracious lifetime learner, always eager to expand his knowledge. He was known for his stoic demeanor yet possessed a generous spirit and was extremely loyal to his family. A true softie at heart, he was an absolute pushover for his grandchildren, delighting in their every accomplishment.

A creature of habit, David started every morning with a pastry – a sweetness that may have fueled his flirtatious charm that captivated every female that crossed his path. Supporting education for his family was paramount to David. He was passionate about technology, gadgets, photography, video making, and mathematics. He found joy delving into history, meticulously researching his genealogy and the origins of the Gallegos family. He had a deep fondness for showtunes, musicals, and any media with a romantic Spanish flair.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ellen Patrica Gallegos (née Tarr), his parents David & Sofia, his brothers Robert, Oscar, and Solomon Gallegos; his sisters Sofia Garza, Zoila Garza, and Lydia Cantu.

A devoted family man, he is survived by his brothers Louis and Alberto Gallegos, his children Lisa, Robin, Kristi, and Michael, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His wisdom and support made him a cherished figure in the hearts of his loved ones.

Commander David Gallegos, Jr.'s legacy lives on through his impact on naval aviation and the family he cherished so dearly. We will forever admire and miss our Don Quixote chasing windmills with a droll twinkle in his eye. We love you, Pop.David Gallegos, Jr., a legendary naval aviator and officer, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025. Born in Alice, Texas, in 1930, his life was a testament to dedication, courage, and a lifelong love of flight.

Pop’s (David’s) Favorites:

Favorite Drinks: Old fashioned, Galliano, Coronitas, Crown & Coke, Crème de Menthe & soda

Favorite Foods: PASTRIES, tortilla chips with extra salt, a good steak

Favorite Books and Shows: Golden Girls, Sanford and Son, Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes, Evita (he remembers when this happened)

Favorite Songs: 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra, 'Camelot' as performed by Richard Burton, 'Malagueña' as performed by Roy Clark, ‘Adios a Mama Carlota’ (Mexican protest song), ‘Harbor Lights’ (1950), ‘Fascination’ by Jane Morgan, ‘La Paloma’

Favorite Singers/Performers: The Three Tenors, Linda Ronstadt, Patsy Cline, Eartha Kitt, Nat King Cole, Andre Rieu Orchestra, Simon & Garfunkel, George Carlin

Favorite Movies/Plays/Operas: Evita, 12 Angry Men, The Flying Tigers, The Third Man, Love is a Many Splendid Thing, Dr. Zhivago, Bridges of Tokaree (1954), For Whom the Bell Tolls, Madame Butterfly, Shangri-La, Soldier of Fortune, Under the Southern Cross, Bessa Dorma, El Cid

Dislikes: Animals as pets, online instructions, inarticulate people, tamales served in banana leaves ("this is wrong")

Jobs Pop Had (that weren't the Navy): shoe shining, slaughterhouse, creamery, upholstery shop, funeral home (hearse/ambulance driver, clerk), real estate agent

Countries Pop Has Visited: France, Spain, England, China, Portugal, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Italy, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Philippines, Japan, Mexico

Pop-isms:

"I stayed up hooting with the owls." (on having too much fun)

"Don't worry about me - in the morning I meet with Nurse Margarita, and in the evenings I see Nurse Bloody Mary."

“I just need a little something to wet my whistle.”

Fiercely DIY, he never ever hired contractors, whether he knew how to fix it or not.

May or may not have had the same barber as Pancho Villa.