Richard Ernest ("Ernie") Sandoval

Richard Ernest Sandoval of Albuquerque was called home by the Lord on the morning of January 24, 2024. Ernie was born August 2, 1948, in Espanola/Embudo, New Mexico to Ildefonzo Ernest and Maria Rosa Sandoval. Ernie graduated from Lourdes high school where he ran track and played basketball. He played and coached softball in the following years and excelled throughout his life at table tennis. After high school, he trained and worked, most notably at Sandia Labs. Captured by adventure and opportunity in Minnesota he moved there with his wife and their three children in 1991 and resided there until 2012 when he returned to New Mexico with his wife to care for their families. He remained dedicated in caring for his family, including as full-time caregiver to his wife of 44 years. Ernie sacrificed tirelessly to family and friends who truly needed help and wanted to change their lives for the better, even taking them into his home. He was wise as well and knew how to give sound advice. He always had a kind word, good joke, or easy smile for anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He was an avid outdoorsman, spending countless days fishing with his family and friends and hunting with his son. During his children's high school and collegiate careers, he would drive hours to not miss an athletic competition or graduation, taking much pride in their shared love of sport and learning. Ernie was very intelligent and loved an intellectual challenge, games and learning new hobbies. He spent his career as a fabrication engineer, from precision parts to jewelry manufacturing. He was a talented craftsman, making beautiful and various items, including jewelry, art, and furniture. Ernie constantly had goals and a next project (often numerous, simultaneous projects) and inspired those closest to him, especially his children, to work hard and strive for the next goal, to diligently persevere.

His family is proud of the contributions he made to our country through his work at the national labs, of the way he served and helped those around him, of the beautiful craftsmanship in every project he touched and of his perseverance of leaning into God, especially in the most difficult times. We are grateful and inspired by the way he loved the people around him, and we know that in each act of love and service we are blessed to fulfill, it is an extension of his heart and his example.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ildefonzo Ernest Sandoval and Maria Rosa Sandoval, his brother, Richard Sandoval and grandson, Julian Martinez.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Ann Sandoval, and their children Anna, Elizabeth Sandoval, and Richard Sandoval (Leah), as well as his two children from a prior marriage, Deborah Smythe (Daniel) and Michelle (Larry); siblings, Patricia Demar (John), Loretta Sandoval (Ty), Cecilia Sandoval (Steve), and Daniel Sandoval (Tammy); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces.

Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:15 a.m., located at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Boulevard NW-Albuquerque, NM 87114. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery with a reception to follow at St. Jude Thaddeus.