Braulio Montalvo

Braulio Montalvo, beloved husband, father, and friend, died peacefully at home with family and friends on March 31, 2014. He was raised in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and lived in New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1985. Although he had dreams of being a cartoonist and a sculptor, Braulio was a pioneer in the field of family therapy, spending several decades at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic. Braulio co-authored the books Families of the Slums, a clinical study of low-income urban families, and The Difficult Divorce, as well as an extensive selection of insightful articles on culture, geriatrics, medical training and therapy. He wrote on these topics much before they became popular, with complexity and critical analysis still reflected in today’s literature. As senior supervisor for 23 years at Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, he helped establish one the first training centers for family therapy including the first video library, producing videos such as “A Family with a Little Fire” and “Constructing a Different Reality”, that have continuously sparked trainees nationwide and internationally. His last book was a collection of autobiographical short stories, Hilachas, about his childhood in Puerto Rico. Braulio will be remembered professionally for his keen intellect, his integrity, his humble and compassionate dedication to social justice, impacting the lives of all he touched. Personally, Braulio was a generous man, caring for others and helping friends in their times of need. He also enjoyed sharing his insights into the current political climate, or recommending a great movie, or randomly sending a hilarious comic strip. He and his wife, Margarita, spent many Albuquerque evenings dancing to salsa music by favorite bands, like Son Como Son, or enjoying performances across the state. They shared many mutual joys and passions over their nearly 55-year marriage and were a testament to the beauty of love and marriage. As a father of two adventurous and happy children who loved him dearly, he shared baseball, walks, conversations, and laughter. Braulio was preceded in death by his son, Carlos; his parents, Braulio and Justina Montalvo; and his brother, Edwin. He is survived by his wife, Margarita Montalvo; his daughter, Maria; sister and brother, Sonia Beardsell and Hiram Montalvo; nephew, Ricky Gonzalez; and many other nieces and nephews, as well as a large extended family of relatives and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders. Rosary will be recited on Friday, April 4, 2014 at 7:00 pm at FRENCH – University in Albuquerque. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. at Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church, 8901 Candelaria NE.

Braulio Montalvo

February 8, 1934 - March 31, 2014