Maxsimiliano "Max" Telles

MAXSIMILIANO (Max) Telles went to be with his mother and father in heaven a little before 7am on the morning of January 16th, 2026. He was in no pain, and his passing was very peaceful surrounded by family. He had been showered by love, laughter and great stories for the last few months, as people from all walks of life had come to his humble home to pay their respects and be reminded of what it really meant to be a good kind human…his legendary work ethic was unrivaled, but his pursuit of the American Dream was never at the sake of others…he treated all as equals, rich, poor, black, white, sexual orientation…all were welcome and always fed massive amounts of chili and homemade tortillas at his and his wife’s table.

He was 86 years old, a native of Albuquerque, NM, an Army veteran and even worked at the Nevada Test Site for a number of years, but his passion and path to the American Dream would oddly enough be as a landscaper…and that he was, for 40+ years he braved the Las Vegas summers, leaving his home at 4am every morning and returning after dark…all to afford his family everything he never had…private schools (both sons Bishop Gorman ‘82 and ‘86, 4 grandchildren Bishop Gorman ‘14, ‘16, ‘18 and ‘21), college (Sons UNLV and UNR, grandchildren USD, UNR, ASU and UCSC) and vacations. Max lived for his children and then later on in life for his grandchildren, and though he worked long hours and almost every weekend, he never missed a soccer/basketball/baseball/football game, school honor, recital or play! But the most enduring quality of this man was his empathy and kindness towards others. He was a devout Catholic (much to my dismay during football season lol) but he lived his life based on the Golden Rule. There was never an individual so universally loved and admired by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Max is survived by his wife Leonor Telles, son Vincent Max Telles, son Gabe Telles, daughter-in-law Kathryn Etter Telles, daughter-in-law Kristina Telles, grandson Zachary Telles, grandson Braden Max Telles, granddaughter Isabella Telles, granddaughter Taylor Telles, sister June Johnson, sister Clara Garcia, and sister Alma Romero.

My brother and I have been so fortunate in our lives and career, but what has and always will define us is…we are the sons of a landscaper, and at the end of our years if we were half the man he was, we will have lived a worthwhile life. #KeepTheFaithinHumanity #TheAmericanDream.

The Telles Family will be hosting events to celebrate the life of Max Telles, including:

February 26, 2026, at 3pm to 7pm: Viewing and Rosary services and reception

Palm Mortuary

7400 W Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129

February 27, 2026, at 11am: Celebration Mass

Holy Spirit Catholic Church (next to Bishop Gorman High School)

5830 Mesa Park Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89135

February 27, 2026, at 1:20pm: Burial Services

Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery

1900 Veterans Memorial Dr., Boulder City, NV 89005

February 27, 2026, at 2pm – 5pm: Celebration of Life Reception Event

Boulder Creek Golf Club-Pavillion

1501 Veterans Memorial Dr, Boulder City, NV 89005