Celestino - Age 89 - Truchas - Sandoval

Celestino Sandoval passed away in Grants, New Mexico on Tuesday April 20, 2010 surrounded by his family. Celestino was born on May 30, 1920 and raised in Truchas, New Mexico to Francisco and Candelaria Sandoval. In the early years of Celestino’s life he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the World War II conflict. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3221 and was also a member of the American Legion in Truchas Post 0089. He then went on to work for the New Jersey Zinc Mining Company in Gilman, Colorado and made his home with his family in Redcliff, Colorado. He later retired, moved to El Llano, New Mexico for many years, and later moved to Grants, New Mexico. He loved to go fishing, hunting, cutting wood, and listening to New Mexico style music with family and friends. He enjoyed riding his four-wheeler to the Truchas Peaks with Nestor & Ernesto Martinez and Richard Barela. He enjoyed the company of Lorraine Barela and his special niece Olivama Sandoval, and looked forward to visits from Teofilo and Estella Sandoval. He entertained himself by trying his luck at the casinos, going on road trips and playing checkers with grandkids and friends. When times were quite and there was nothing to do, he would sit in his truck, turn on the radio, letting the warm sun shine on his face, looking at the scenery and often calmly falling asleep. He will be missed, but his love and spirit will never be forgotten. Celestino Sandoval is survived by Elizaida Sandoval, five sons; Gilbert (Joyce), Tino (Judy), of Leadville, CO, Jose Emiterio (Beverly) of Gallup, NM, Richard (Jane) of Fruita, CO, Alex (Lindy) of Los Luceros, NM. Two daughters; Lucille (Ben) Abila of Cañon City, CO, Lillian (George) Vigil of Grants, NM. Seventeen grandchildren, and 35 Great Grandchildren. Celestino was the last descendant and the youngest of the union of Francisco and Candelaria Sandoval, also referred to as Mi Sandoval and Mi Fernandez. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Urban, Israel, Marcial, Jose, Nephew, Serapio, raised with the family as a brother and Damian who he also considered as a brother. Sister, Amanda and many other relatives and friends. Public visitation will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Peace of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 23, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Truchas. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers: Gary Sandoval, Ben (Bucko) Abila, J.R. Sandoval, Marvin Sandoval, Alex Sandoval, Greg Sandoval, George Vigil, Jr., Nicholas Sandoval, Wesley Sandoval and Adam Sandoval. Serving as honorary pallbearers: Tammy Lucero, Tamara Matthews, Michelle Quilevin, Jolene Sandoval, Doreen Vigil, Karen Torres and Melissa Latino. The family of Celestino Sandoval has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.\r\n

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