Benjamin M. Sandoval Age 75, of Santa Fe, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2009 after a brief illness. He was born on February 26, 1933 to Frank and Lucia Sandoval in Galisteo, NM. The second oldest of 14 children, he grew up in Galisteo, NM and graduated from Stanley High School in 1951. He came to Santa Fe where he met and married Cecelia Valdez on April 30, 1956. He worked at the New Mexico State Highway Department for 30 years; he retired in July 1986. He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Cecelia; brother Fidel Sandoval; parents, Frank and Lucia Sandoval; in-laws Manuel and Azucena Valdez; and a very close uncle Celestino Mora, who thought of him as a brother. He is survived by daughters: Margaret S. Trujillo, Anna M. Sandoval, Bernadette and Diana Sandoval; sons: David, Steve and Antonio; granddaughters: Jennifer Michelle Trujillo and Lucia Azucena Sandoval. He also is survived by sisters: Connie Valencia and the late Mike Valencia, MaryLou Baca and husband Pat, JoAnn Rodgers and husband Ray, Stella Maestas and husband David, Pilar Anaya and husband Hilario, Gloria Durham and husband Lee; brothers: Rudy and wife Cecilia, Anastacio and wife Libby, Frank and wife Doris, George and wife Marie, Joe Sandoval and Fred Sandoval; sisters in-law: Eleanor (Dollie) and Ted Mondragon, Rosalie and the late Hilario Romero Jr., Rita and husband Gilbert Romero; brothers in-law: Ray and Josie Valdez, Richard and Aline Valdez, the late Carlos and Barbara Valdez, and the late Fernando Valdez; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Ben had many passions, but his greatest was his love of music, and as a musician his playing was loved by many. He especially enjoyed listening to Mariachi music. He was a longtime member of La Sociedad de San Jose at Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Catholic Church in Galisteo, NM. A Visitation will be held Thursday, February 26, 2009, 4 to 5 p.m. at Berardinelli Family Chapel. A Rosary will be recited Thursday, February 26, 2009, 7 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church. A Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 27, 2009, 10 a.m. at St. Anne's Church with interment to follow at the Galisteo Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600

Published in the Santa Fe New Mexican on 2/24/2009