Antonio Jose Sedillo

Antonio Jose Sedillo, walking on 94 (as he would say), passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 18, 1924, Antonio enjoyed telling colorful stories of childhood experiences and countless adventures of his life. Antonio had a way with people and always brought a smile to their face, something that he very much enjoyed. In school he excelled in mathematics leading to his career as a master carpenter and successful construction supervisor.

On November 6, 1943 he married his honey, Cristela Padilla. Their marriage spanned over 74 years.  One of their most favorite pastimes was dancing and listening to New Mexico music.  Together they enjoyed dancing to rancheras, waltz, and won countless polka contests. Antonio was a very skilled dancer and could twirl multiple women at one time on the dance floor.  They were loyal to their friends and every weekend went to the Post 99.

Immediately after his marriage, Antonio was deployed and proudly served his country during WWII in the US Navy, SeaBees Construction Battalion and served two years and nine months.  He was discharged on December 24, 1945.  During his time in the Navy, Antonio spent time in Guam, the Philippines, and Hawaii.  Antonio is a lifetime member of post 99 Veterans of Foreign war and was proud of his service to his country.

Upon his return home, Antonio started his family and his career as a carpenter, foreman, and engineer. Antonio greatly contributed to the development and growth of the City of Albuquerque and State of New Mexico.  Some of the projects he contributed to include: John Adams Middle School, St. Mary’s Catholic School, Van Buren Middle School, Highland High School, Bandelier Elementary School, Cortez School, Anderson Schools of Management, Zimmerman Library, UNM dormitories, Carlisle Gym, Monroe Middle School, Mark Twain Elementary School, Coronado Shopping Mall, American Furniture, the industrial building on Commerce and Marquette and First National Bank on Candelaria.  Accomplishments in Gallup, NM, include Sunny Side Elementary School, the stadium; Ford Motor building, the telephone building and Strong Thorn House, Ludy Equipment.  Antonio also contributed work to the Old Court House in Las Vegas, NM, Taos Ski Valley, and other regional projects in Arizona.

Antonio had a strong work ethic and took pride in everything he did. Antonio set a new city record when he was construction superintendent for Brennand-Leavell and completed the “BIG POUR” of 3200 cubic yards or 400 truckloads of concrete to construct the new Public Service Company which was a 24 hour pour on September 6th and 7th, 1966.   He was particularity proud of having been the superintendent for the first two high-rises in Albuquerque, the Bank of New Mexico and Park Plaza.  He finished his career in construction development when he retired from UNM as the Chief Building Inspector under the direction of his immediate supervisor, Van Dorn Hooker.

He was honored for his 70 years of loyalty and support to The United Brotherhood of Carpenters. Antonio served on the Albuquerque carpenters joint apprenticeship committee from 1961 to November 1981.  As a strong, smart and competitive professional, Antonio excelled in his work and was sought after by many construction companies who needed innovative and practical ideas. He was dedicated and active in his profession.  He was a member of The Construction Specifications Institute, American Public Works Association and participated in his ongoing professional development.  His work was respected and appreciated by his colleagues and family.

His daily routine included a phone call to his daughter, joking with his wife, reading the newspaper, lifting weights, and playing solitaire.  Antonio enjoyed haggling at yard sales, sewing, needlework, and creating beautiful pieces of furniture and woodwork. He appreciated fine jewelry and clothing and was always dressed to impress.  This was complimented by his strong body, mind, and spirit.  Antonio was fierce like a bear and never backed down to anybody. He was a good man and always stood up for what was right.

Antonio was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William Carson and wife, Juliana Martinez Sandoval; paternal grandparents, Antonio Jose Sedillo and wife, Barbara Tafoya; Parents, Julian Sedillo from San Lorenzo, NM and mother, Ramona Sandoval Carson Sedillo; sister, Frances Loretta of Cincinnati, OH and Mary Sedillo; brothers, Augustine Sedillo, William Lopez, and Manuel Sedillo; son, Lawrence Sedillo; and grandson, Daniel Antonio Armijo; and two great-granddaughters, Renee Sedillo and Angel Armijo.

Antonio is survived and remembered by his beloved wife, Cristela Margarita Sedillo; daughter, and sons, Anna Armijo, and husband, Daniel Armijo of Albuquerque, Pat Sedillo and wife, Emma of Albuquerque, and Anthony Sedillo and wife, Bernice of Ponderosa, NM; daughter-in-law, Karen Sedillo of Rio Rancho, NM; his adopted son, Rudy/Jim Griego and wife, Isabel of San Diego; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Marisol Brito and husband, Russell and son Maximo of Albuquerque; Carlos Armijo wife, Roberta and children, Nicolas and Ava of Albuquerque; Santiago Armijo of Albuquerque; Anamaria Armijo-Glenn husband, Brandon and children Isavel and Azuriah of Las Vegas, NM; Maya Armijo of Albuquerque; Michael Sedillo wife, Francine and son, Gabriel of Albuquerque; Joey Sedillo, and children, Jordan and Malia; and  Andres Sedillo and wife, Frances and children, Andres, Antonio, Julianna, and Emma.

A Communion Mass will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 1860 Griegos Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87107.