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Obituary for SANDOVAL


Published in the Albuquerque Journal on Thursday July 08, 2010

Orlando A. Sandoval Aug 22, 1950 - July 5, 2010 Orlando Sandoval, age 59, lost his battle with cancer on July 5, 2010. He passed away at his home in Pioche, Nevada with his wife and his son by his side. He was born in Albuquerque New Mexico August 22, 1950. He graduated from Highland High School in 1968 and went on to serve as a army medic in Viet Nam. He and his wife Debbie married in 1979 and began their family and he launched his career in higher education at Northern New Mexico Community College. They moved to Las Vegas in 1985 to advance his career at Community College of Southern Nevada where he moved through the ranks until he became a Vice President. In 2000 he left CCSN to become one of the founding fathers of Nevada State College. He retired from Higher Education in 2002. He was an active member of the Las Vegas Community, serving on several State, County and City boards as well as serving one term as president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. In 2008 he and his wife moved to Pioche Nevada where they opened the town's only grocery store, Miner's Market. With no previous grocery experience it was a true adventure for Orlando. Until his illness prevented him from working he was in the store daily, greeting customers, making friends, giving lollypops to children and running a cash register. He truly enjoyed the grocery store. His wife plans to honor Orlando by continuing to run the store they created together. Orlando loved his family, valued his friends, and lived life to the fullest. He is survived by his wife Debbie Sandoval; son Damian Sandoval; daughter Nicole and her husband Martin Mondragon; He was the proud grandpa of four grandchildren, Isabella, Lili, Martin Jr. and Orlando; mother and stepfather Pauline and Jay Pate; father and stepmother Jose and Rosa Sandoval; sister Patsi Faria; brother Michael Sandoval; stepbrothers, Richard, Anthony and Chris Para; as well as several nieces, nephews and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his younger sister Debbie Tudesque. A memorial service will be held in Albuquerque July 10, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. at Daniels Family Funeral Services, 2400 Southern Blvd. S.E., Rio Rancho, New Mexico. A celebration of his life will be held in Pioche Nevada at a later date yet to be determined. Orlando will be greatly missed by many who knew him and forgotten by few. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Orlando's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 891-9192