State Rep. George Hanosh, D-Grants, died Sunday following an extended illness that led him to not seek re-election in November. He was 70.
Hanosh was to leave office on Dec. 31. He will be replaced in the Legislature by Democrat Eliseo Alcon, who won election in November.
Hanosh, who was vice chairman of the House Business and Industry Committee and an automobile dealer, was named the 2008 citizen of the year by the Grants/Cibola Chamber of Commerce, according to the Cibola County Beacon. He had served in the Legislature since 1999.
“He did a lot for Grants the short time he was in the Legislature,” long-time friend Bud Gunderson was quoted by the newspaper as saying. “I remember when he took over the Chevrolet dealership on Santa Fe Avenue, about where Fire and Ice Park is. He was a good businessman and helped the area a lot.”
His obituary states that Hanosh may be best known for his public achievements, but “he has always provided for his family and prided himself on their accomplishments.” He is survived by his wife Barbara, four children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Albuquerque. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Rosary will be recited today at 7 p.m. at the church, which is located at 562 Atrisco Drive SW.