Roman "Ray" Saavedra

Roman "Ray" Saavedra, age 70, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Suzanne Saavedra; children, Richard Lofstrom and girlfriend Tiffany Munera, Aaron Saavedra and wife Jennifer; siblings, Frances Kurts, Annabell Poteat and husband Don, and Lawrence Saavedra and wife Darlene, and several nieces, nephews and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman A. and Annie Saavedra; and infant brother, Roman E. Saavedra. Ray was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force after serving in Vietnam. He was a lifelong member of the Albuquerque Community. Ray worked for over 35 years in the car business and volunteered for numerous organizations. He was inducted into the Albuquerque Baseball and Softball Hall of Fame in 2009. Ray also played, officiated and supported softball in the city of Albuquerque for many years. He enjoyed playing the guitar and loved music, the New York Yankees, and Lobo Athletics. Ray's love for animals began since early childhood and he leaves behind his beloved dogs, Joi Li and Ling Ling. A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr NE. Friends may visit beginning at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.at John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr NE. Burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11:15 am. Pallbearers will be Kim McCall, Calvin Allen, Eugene Etheredge, John Matteucci, Lawrence Saavedra, Ron Gleason, Larry Higbee and Stephen Triandafilidis. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the VA for the care of our father especially the nurses and staff of Ward 5A and the Step Down Unit. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the American Diabetes Association or The Animal Humane Society of New Mexico.