Ret. Judge Diane Dal Santo

Ret. Judge Diane Dal Santo passed away July 11, 2015 after a courageous battle with a life-long heart condition. Diane was born in Chicago on September 20th, 1949 and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico at nine months of age. For Diane her family was everything. She is survived by her loving husband, Fred O’Cheskey; her parents, Helen and John Dal Santo; her daughter, Vikky Dehring, husband, Mark; and grandchildren, Bryce and Taylor Dehring. She is also survived by her sisters, Marlene Hubbard her husband, Roger and Paula Dal Santo her husband, Edward Anlian; her brother, John Dal Santo Jr.; her nieces, Arden and Kendall Anlian, and Sara Hubbard; and nephews, E. Quentin Anlian and John Hubbard. Diane’s commitment to the community, her love of people and her high ethical and professional standards were apparent throughout her life. She graduated from St. Pius High School, the University of New Mexico and University of San Diego Law School. She began her professional career as a juvenile probation officer and moved onto being a planning coordinator/grant writer for the district attorney’s office. After law school she was an Assistant District Attorney and Chief Deputy City Attorney. In 1985, she was appointed to Metropolitan Court and later elected Presiding/Chief Judge by her colleagues. In 1989, she was appointed as a District Court Judge and retired in 2000. From 1990 – 1995 she served on the faculty of the National Judicial College where she taught classes domestically and internationally. Diane was a strong advocate for women’s rights, championing education and programs in the understanding and prevention of domestic violence. Diane received many national, state and local community awards during her judicial career, including, the American Bar Association, National Conference of State Trial Judges, Award of Judicial Excellence. She was a co-founder of “Pennies for the Homeless” and on the board of YDI. Diane loved art, history, reading, traveling, socializing and singing. In her healthier years, she was a ballet instructor, an avid scuba diver and loved Pilates. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 18, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at the Hotel Andaluz, 125 2nd St. NW Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Albuquerque Community Foundation and specify for the Pennies for the Homeless, PO Box 25266, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87125.