Ramon Paul Pando

Ray “Paul” Pando, age 86, passed away peacefully on December 21st, 2022, after a lengthy battle with dementia. While at the end, this terrible disease robbed him of his wonderful personality and his life, he died surrounded by love and those of us who cared deeply for him. Paul leaves behind his three loving children and their spouses, Paula and Andrew Hoskins, Annette Pando-Roche and Chard Roche, and Mark and Arlene Pando. Paul’s loving grandchildren include Christopher Cordova, Brittany and Nicholas Roche, Kristen and Matthew Hoskins, Nathan Candelaria, and Alicia and Jacob Pando. Also grieving Paul’s loss are his sisters, Marcella Branch, and Sally Arellano; and his brothers, Pete, Richard, Edward Pando; and all their respective spouses. Eight grand and six great-grandchildren also dearly loved and will miss him. In addition to his immediate family, Paul has close relatives and friends who will forever miss his wonderful “light up a room” smile and ready sense of humor. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Placido “Tony” and Alcarita Pando; and his three brothers Dan, David, and Frank Pando. On February 16, 1997, Paul also lost the true love of his life, his devoted wife, Natividad “Nat” Pando.

Paul was a decorated Air Force Senior Master Sergeant who served honorably for twenty years and a day and is a veteran of the Korean conflict and the Vietnam war. During his three tours in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller, he earned high honors including a Legion of Merit, and a Bronze Star. Apart from his wartime service and together with his wife Natividad and his children, Paul also enjoyed building a wonderful life in the Air Force and enjoyed tours of duty in Germany, California, Missouri, and Okinawa, before retiring in 1974 to Albuquerque.

Paul’s experience in the Air Force with his wife Natividad, and his three children, played an especially significant role in his life. He frequently pointed out that the Air Force life taught him the value of family, discipline, teamwork, and investing in a cause larger than himself. He would often explain to loved ones how these values contributed to his success for 25 years as a REALTOR®, and small business owner upon his retirement from the Air Force.

Paul was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. He deeply valued home and family, creating the first Pando Family Reunion with his cousin Gerald (Jerry) Pando in 1975. His intention was to ensure the Pando Family, old and young, near and far, meet each other every five years in the spirit of keeping his large family connected through love, to each other. He haunted golf courses all over the world and throughout New Mexico. Small children loved him on sight, and he could make babies laugh out loud. While his passing grieves us all, we take great comfort that he is again with his beloved Natividad in Heaven. Rest in Peace Paul Pando, thank you for your Service, and God keep you safe.

A Graveside Service for Paul will be held on Friday, 2/3/2023 at 1 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery.