Fredrick J. “Rick” Sandoval
( December 1, 1946 – February 25, 2024 )
Fredrick J. “Rick” Sandoval, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 25, 2024, with his loving family at his side and his guardian angel on Earth, Ramona Soto.
Fredrick J. Sandoval was born on December 1, 1946, a bouncing baby boomer, to his Father Filadelfio Sandoval, and his mother Estella Matilde Arellano -Sandoval in Springer, New Mexico. Rick as everyone knew him, was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved the outdoors and loved the beauty of being out in the high country just gazing at wild game and the beautiful mountain sights.
He attended Springer schools and graduated in 1965, lettering in football, basketball, cross country, and track all four years. He was a golden glove boxer and loved the excitement of sports. He left Springer in 1989 to pursue his career in the utility business but kept his home in good ole Springer, New Mexico so that he could return to hunt and fish as often as he wanted. In Albuquerque, he devotedly followed the LOBOS and ISOTOPES keeping season tickets year after year. It would be remiss not to mention his favorite football team “The Dallas Cowboys” which he flew so many times to see.
Rick also pursued a life-long effort of building family connections and exploring his genealogical roots. He wrote a book on his family history for a family reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2013. His cousin, Anselmo Arellano, wrote on the archived history of his family dating back to the 17th century and Rick compiled the current history of his family. Rick knew he was a product of his parents, grandparents, and his ancestors and was very proud of his heritage. His character always represented sensitivity and consideration towards his family and friends. Rick always said, “To live and remember the good old days, one has to have lived them and we should be thankful always. I lived my life to its fullest and have no regrets. “
He married his wife, Marianna Garcia, in 1969 and to this union was born their only son, Fredrick Cary Sandoval. Marianna can attest to the fact that Rick’s pride and joy were certainly not only his son but his one and only grandson, Hunter Nicolas Sandoval. Hunter was Papa’s boy from day one and Rick said there was no greater gift in life than being a grandparent. He devoted his adult life to making sure that Hunter knew everything from history, fishing, games, and current events. Hunter asked and Rick explained. Hunter always admired that his grandpa was so attuned to the news and current events and knew a little bit of everything.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marianna Sandoval; son, Fredrick C Sandoval and wife, Gina; grandson, Hunter Nicholas Sandoval; brothers, Sam Sandoval of Colorado Springs, Santiago “Jim” Sandoval and Jacobo “Jack” Sandoval of Ogden, Utah; sisters, Gloria/Sam Roy of Springer, Catherine Sandoval of Thornton, Co; Cynthia Chadick of Ogden Utah; and sister in law Marge Sandoval of Colorado Springs. Brothers-in-law: Christopher/Maria Duran of Cimarron; Nick/Lisa Garcia of Greeley, Co; Frank/Mary Ellen Garcia of Greeley, Co. Eusebio/Ramona Soto of San Angelo, Tx; Rudy/Marilyn Garcia of Cimarron, NM; Anthony/Deb Garcia of Rapid City, SD, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Filadelfio and Estella Sandoval of Ogden, Utah, his brother, Edward Sandoval of Colorado Springs, Colorado, his maternal and paternal grandparents and his special godson and nephew, Santiago Sandoval, Jr.
Rick was a member of American Legion Post No 92 of Springer, New Mexico; A 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, Assembly No. 687 in Belen, NM; a Member of our Lady of Belen Catholic Church; A member of La Merced Moose Lodge 2550 and received an honorable discharge from the NM Army National Guard, HQ 3rd Bn. 38th Arty, Fourth US Army of Springer, NM.
Recitation of the most holy Rosary will be in the Chapel of the Alderette Funeral Home in Raton, NM at 5 pm on March 4th, 2024, recited by Frank Cimino. Mass of the Resurrection will be on March 5th at 10:00 a.m. at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springer, NM with Father Trieu, celebrant, assisted by Father Brasher and Deacon Olona. The rite of committal and interment will be at the Springer Cemetery. A reception will follow at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall.
Arrangements for Fredrick J. “Rick” Sandoval are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
Pallbearers are his brothers, brother-in-laws, and nephews; Nick Garcia, Sam Sandoval, Jack Sandoval, Nick Soto, David Casaus, Anthony Roy, Frank Garcia, and Anthony Garcia.
Honorary Pallbearers are Chris Duran and Rudy Garcia of Cimarron, Ron Garcia of Los Lunas; Eusebio Soto of San Angelo Texas, Francisco Cerda of Albuquerque, Michael Sanchez of Belen; Mori Jafari of Albuquerque, Jim Findley of Tijeras, NM; Julie Le Doux of Denver, Dolores Hamilton of Ukiah, CA, Diane Sandoval of Denver, Co., Mark and Dee Sandoval of Las Vegas, Nevada, Henry Arellano of Bernalillo, Chris Arellano of Springer, Frank Soto of Houston, Tx; Reyes Olona of Albuquerque.; Alex Herrera of Angel Fire and the Graduating Class of 1965 from Springer High School. Also, posthumously, Anselmo Arellano of Las Vegas, NM, and Antonio “Gunner” Trujillo of Albuquerque.
