Andelecio “Andy” Solano, 93, of Raton, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at his home on August 9, 2026.
Andy was born on August 26, 1932, on his family’s ranch in Chapelle, New Mexico. The values he learned while growing up there – hard work, perseverance, family, and dedication – would remain at the center of his life.
In September 1953, Andy married his wife, Fabie. Together they built a life, a family, and a lasting legacy in Raton. They welcomed their eldest son, Ralph, in April 1955, followed by Ted in March 1961, and Sandy in July 1962.
Andy proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1958. He previously completed over two and one half years of active military service during the Korean War. He displayed great dedication, courage, and love for his country throughout his service. He carried the values of duty and honor with him for the rest of his life.
In September 1956, Andy used his GI Bill to obtain a VA backed loan that he used to open a shoe repair business in Raton, which his brother helped run until he got out of the service. Years later, Fabie established a retail business alongside the repair shop. What began as a small family enterprise became a fixture in the Raton community and remains in business today, celebrating its 70th year in 2026. Andy’s many years of work reflected his skill, determination, and commitment to serving his community. Andy was a genuinely outgoing and sociable person who took great pleasure in getting to know everyone who walked through the doors of his store.
Andy was preceded in death by his son, Ralph Solano; his grandson, Berek Solano; his mother, Cruzita, and father, Abel; his sister, Lola; his brothers, Tony, Benny, and Genio; and his half-sister Mary.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Fabie; his children, Ted (Debrah) and Sandy; his grandchildren, Valerie (Gil) Alderette, Tiffany Towndrow, Dreyson (Jillian) Solano, Kyle Towndrow, Marissa Solano (Jon G.), and Damian (Sandy) Solano; his great-grandchildren, Allorah Solano, Deacon Alderette, Roslyn Solano, Ivy Alderette, and Quinn Alderette; and his half-brothers, George, Ronnie, Ernest, and Kenneth.
Andy’s long life was marked by devotion to his family, decades of hard work, and the enduring business and family legacy he and Fabie built together. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. The Solano family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Andy’s caregivers – Edna Sandoval, Gloria Sanchez, Roberta Montoya, Pat Swartz, Lisa Willy, and Edith Garrett – for all the exceptional love, care, and support they provided to Andy.
Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be at 11:00 am on September 2, 2026, at St. Patrick’s – St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Raton, New Mexico, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the GoFundMe campaign to help with Fabie’s end-of-life care: gofundme.com/fabie-solano.
Arrangements for Andelecio “Andy” Solano are entrusted into the care of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
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