Abelardo "Lalo" Sandoval

On June 11, 2024, the world lost a beloved provider, protector, and exceptional human being. Abelardo "Lalo" Sandoval, age 49, born on September 4, 1975, in the Mexican city of Parral, Chihuahua, has now gone to join the great campsite in the sky.

Lalo’s journey began in Mexico, but he soon found himself blazing trails in the heat of Arizona. Having first grown up in Chicago Illinois, he attended Proviso West High School and after moving to Phoenix, Arizona, graduated from North High School and later attended Phoenix College, where he honed not only his intellect but also his remarkable skill set as a handyman. If there was something broken, Lalo could fix it. His toolbox was legendary, rivaled only by his never-ending supply of tools from him shed, which was lovingly called Abe's Hardware.

As a skilled building maintenance engineer, Lalo could be seen as the MacGyver of everyday life. Need a ceiling fan changed? Lalo was there. Faucet leaking? Lalo to the rescue. Alien spaceship needs a new flux capacitor? Lalo would’ve figured it out with a screwdriver and some duct tape. His hands were blessed with the gift of making things work, much like his heart was blessed with the ability to make everyone around him feel cherished and loved.

Lalo’s love for his family was profound and unwavering. He was the epitome of a provider and protector, ensuring his wife Rosio Sandoval, children Aidyn Sandoval, Abraham Sandoval, Abel Sandoval, Elias Anthony Achey, and Jasmine Gomez, always felt safe, supported, and loved. He also leaves behind his parents, Abelardo and Maria DelaLuz Sandoval, and his brothers, Saul and Noe Sandoval, who have undoubtedly also inherited the talent for fixing things, testament to the way his parents nurtured three strong capable men.

Lalo was a man of faith, with a heart anchored in his belief in Jesus Christ. His faith guided him through life, providing him with the moral compass that made him the respectable, and most capable man we all knew. His faith wasn't just in the pews on Sunday but in the way he lived his life every single day.

When he wasn’t being a hero in everyday life, Lalo was a lover of the great outdoors. Camping, fishing, and exploring the wilderness were his escapes from the bustling city life. He would take his family on adventures as often as he could, instilling in them a love for nature that was as deep as the lakes and as high as the mountains they explored together. His fishing stories, of course, involved fish that grew exponentially with each retelling—a testament to his playful spirit.

Lalo’s laugh was infectious, his smile genuine, and his heart—oh, his heart—was big enough to house not just his immediate family, but everyone he met. His passing leaves a void that even his extensive toolkit cannot fill.

Every smile, every laugh, and every shared moment with his friends was a treasure to him. He cherished these relationships above all else, finding joy and comfort in the camaraderie and support they provided.

As we remember Lalo, let’s honor him by living life with the same love, and strength that he did. Let’s tell his jokes, share his stories, and maybe, just maybe, fix a thing or two with duct tape.

Rest in peace, Lalo. May you find the best fishing spots in heaven and may your campfire always be warm. We will forever cherish the memories you left behind and strive to live up to the incredible human being you were.