|
Brian Sablatura, resident of Albuquerque and longtime citizen of Pearland, Texas, died suddenly of a heart attack Tuesday evening, September 22, 1998 just four days shy of his 39th birthday. He is affectionately remembered for his irresistibly infectious laugh, his gentle demeanor, and his solid devotion to his family. He was also an avid fisher and outdoorsman, having attained an almost legendary reputation for remaining on the water without taking a break. Brian entered this world in Ganado, Texas on September 26, 1959. After growing up in Pearland, Texas and graduating from Pearland High School in the class of '78, he went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Cindye Arlene Rizzolo on June 5, 1982. Their union took place only days after he graduated from the University of Texas with a B.S. in Psychology. They relocated to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he completed his Masters and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. During his internship at the Children's Psychiatric Hospital in Albuquerque, both Brian and Cindye fell in love with New Mexico. They found their way back in 1993 and decided to make it their home. In addition to Albuquerque, both have applied their professional skills in Georgetown, Texas and Yakima, Washington. For the past several years Brian had worked with school children in several rural school districts, including Grants, Zuni, and Cuba, New Mexico. As a member of the American Psychiatric Association, as well as the New Mexico Psychiatric Association, he was a staunch advocate for children and issues concerning their mental health. His professional passion for working with kids was eclipsed only by his unbridled devotion to his twin daughters. Brian was preceded in death by his father, Leon H. Sablatura and is survived by his wife of 16 years, Cindye; twin six month old daughters, Dawn and Sara; his mother, Claudie; his brother, David; and his sister, Lynne McNair. Surviving members of Brian's"second" family include parents, Ed and Ruth Rizzolo; brother, Edward Rizzolo; and sister, Beverly Clement. Brian is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends too numerous to mention. In a world where we all naturally strive to be cast in a favorable light, Brian Sablatura was one of those who gave off a light of his own. We will be forever illuminated for having spent time in his presence. Friends who so desire can make contributions to an educational account set up on Dawn and Sara's behalf at the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 8530, Albuquerque, NM 87198. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 27, 1998, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Rio Rancho Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 28, 1998, 10:30 a.m., at the Chapel of Rio Rancho Funeral Home. A Memorial service is pending in Pearland, TX. Arrangements under the direction of Rio Rancho Funeral Home, 2400 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho, NM, 505-891-9192.
|
