Rene Orlando Mercado

Rene O. Mercado was born on October 14, 1944 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Rene has been a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico since 1979.

He passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side, on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the age of 72 after fighting a three year battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his father, Angel Mercado; mother, Augustina Tirado Villafane; stepfather, Benjamin Villafane; older brother, Angel Manuel Mercado; and his sister-in-law, Gladys Mercado. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Lynda H. Mercado; daughter, Chanda Ford and spouse, Andrew Ford, daughter, Felicia Carrington and spouse, Michael Carrington; son, Rene Mercado Jr. and spouse, Rita Mercado; daughter, Leslie Dampier; sister, Elsa Correra and spouse, John Correa; sister, Rosa Lydia (Rosie) Ramos, and Ex-wife Milagros Castro, her son, Peter Castro Jr.; grandchildren, Kamryn Jarrett (Partner) Michel (Mykie) Bordes, Dean Ford, Noah Ford, Justin Dampier, Matthew Dampier, Dominic Mercado, Daphne Mercado. Niece, Diane Velilla spouse Wilfredo Velilla, son Keith Velilla, daughter Channing Velilla, grandson Joell Velilla, Misty Duran. Niece Carol Rivera, spouse Nelson Rivera, sons Nelson Rivera Jr., Joshua Rivera, David Gabriel Rivera, and Jeremiah Rivera, Grandson Matthew Rivera.  Niece Mindy Vasquez Correra, her children Isabel Vasquez Correra, Miguel Vasquez Correra, Marcelo Ibrahim Correra.  Adopted Children Stephanie Young, Tracy Nelson Spouse Debbie Nelson and kids. Steve Harris and Sons. His Cousins Carmen, Kathy and Debbie.  In Laws Andrew(s) Betty Ford, Alvin(s) Gwen Carrington, Ronni Skindelien, Christopher Triggs. Friends Tony(s) Isabel, Vicente (“His Son”)(s) Charlene, Hector(s) Rosa, Jose.  Neighbors Ray(s) Lola, Robert(s) Joanne, Jodie(s) Kimberly, Mike and Charlie, Sharon.  And so many other friends and family who all cared for, and loved him.

We the family would like to send a special thank you to all the Doctors, Arthur Kaufman, Ian Rabinowitz and Ricky Soto, Nurse’s, Trish, PA’s and all supporting staff at UNMH and the Cancer Center. They all worked so diligently to keep him comfortable. Also Gil his friend and nurse from Professional Home Health Care Specialist. Also a special thanks to friends, Joan and Pat and their family and Pam and Don, Celest and Eric, even time and distance could never change our friendship. Thank you.

While Rene’s life has ended here on earth, his spirit and memory lives on.

We will always remember the great times we shared with him. Smiling, laughing, always telling a joke no matter what the situation. He was simply a happy go lucky person. He was a magnet for fun and laughter for all who entered his orbit. He was a fun and loving, giving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved his pets very much and never met a stranger. These were just a few of his greatest attributes. Rene retired after twenty-one years from Sandia National Laboratory. Dancing and traveling, cooking for family and friends were some of greatest joys. Hobbies included playing racquetball, soccer, football, gymnastics, and coaching his children’s soccer teams. He loved to go fishing and hunting. He also was a Golden Glove Boxer in his youth. He loved to teach people how to salsa dance. He was an avid NY Jet’s fan! He loved attending and collecting posters from the ABQ International Balloon Fiesta every year since 1980. He loved to tell stories. He enjoyed helping and solving problems for friends and family. If you were ever in need he would be there. In the end he enjoyed visiting with family and friends and listening to salsa music. His favorite thing to do was talking to all his grandchildren on the phone and by Face Time. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at FRENCH –University.