Orlando Sandoval

Orlando Paul Sandoval Jr., a beacon of joy and laughter, was born on February 6, 1972, in the sun-kissed town of Flagstaff, Arizona. His spirit grew among the towering pines and majestic landscapes of the East Side, where he cultivated a deep love for the outdoors that would accompany him throughout his life. Tragically, this beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather departed unexpectedly on May 14, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, enveloped in the warmth of his family's presence.

Orlando’s journey through life was marked by a strong faith in God that served as both his anchor and his guiding light. An alumnus of Coconino High School, he blended a thirst for knowledge with an insatiable appetite for adventure. Whether it was casting lines into tranquil waters while fishing, camping under starry skies, or riding his bike through winding trails, he embraced the call of nature and infused it with a charm that made every moment a shared experience, filled with laughter and love.

On December 4, 1999, Orlando pledged his heart to Natalie Sandoval, intertwining their destinies in a union grounded in mutual admiration and profound affection. Together, they built a loving family enriched by the vibrancy of their children—Monique Rodriguez and Anthony Sandoval—and the laughter of their granddaughter, Amaya Rodriguez. Orlando cherished these moments playing with little Amaya, finding ecstasy in her simple joys and giggles, creating memories that will forever reside in the annals of his family's heart.

His sisters, Renee Jaurigue (Jay), Yvonne Archuleta (Chris), and Veronica Jackson (Isom), adored him not only as a brother but as a confidant and friend. Orlando's ability to make people laugh was legendary, his humor a gentle balm that healed many wounds. It is these bracelets of memory, woven thick with love and laughter, that his family and friends will carry with them, honoring the indelible mark he left on their lives.

Orlando reunites now with his beloved parents, Orlando Sr. and Lilly Sandoval, whose nurturing spirits shaped him into the extraordinary man he became. He is also met in the ethereal embrace of family members long gone, including his maternal and paternal grandparents and his cherished great niece, Isis Martinez, who surely welcomed him with open arms.

Though Orlando may have departed from this earthly plane, his essence, imbued with strength, love, and resilience, will ripple through time. In the faces of his loved ones, in whispered memories of shared meals, and in the laughter echoing through the woods of Flagstaff, Orlando Paul Sandoval Jr. will forever remain a guiding star, watching over those fortunate enough to have known him.