Belfor Alfredo Gallardo

Belfor Alfredo Gallardo, 89, of Charlotte, died March 31, 2021. Through the blessing of hospice, he was able to be at home surrounded by his family. Belfor, affectionately known as “Ampa”, was born in Iquique, Chile, on October 21, 1931, the son of Luis and Lorenza Gallardo Contreras. He grew up there and graduated from school there. In 1959, he came to the United States and lived in New Jersey. Blessed to use his hands, he was a jack of all trades. One day he walked into a publishing company and met the lovely Xiomara Arbucias. While he did not know it yet, she knew he was the man she was going to marry, and a year later they were married on May 13, 1961. He went on to work for Federal Paper in Hackensack before finding his calling in life, a cleaning company. Together, Belfor and Xiomara became small business owners, operating their cleaning company for over 30 years. After selling the business, they joined their family in Charlotte and moved to North Carolina. When not working, Belfor enjoyed camping, boating, crabbing, enjoying a good glass of wine, gardening and working in his yard. He had the best green thumb and could make just about anything grow any time of the year. When he could not be outside, he loved to cook. Most of all, he loved the time spent with family and friends, especially time spent with his grandchildren. Belfor is survived by wife of almost 60 years, Xiomara; his children: Martha L. “Martie” (fiancé Paul Costa) Alvarez of Bergenfield, NJ, Carolyn “Charo” (husband Joseph) Siciliano of Matthews; grandchildren: Chelsea-Rae (husband Mark Eggert) Alvarez, Dylan Alvarez, and Katelynn Taylor; and a great granddaughter: Dakota-Rae “Kody” Eggert. He is further survived by numerous other family and friends, including many friends of his children who considered Belfor and Xiomara as “parents”. Belfor was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings. Formal services are not being planned at this time, and in honor of his care for others, the family would appreciate any donations in Belfor’s name be made to St. Jude. Belfor’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. Please take a moment to visit his Tribute Wall and share a favorite memory, condolence or photo.

Belfor Alfredo Gallardo

October 21, 1931 - March 31, 2021