SANDOVAL, Rafael G.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona February 14, 2003 Rafael G. Sandoval, 86, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a proud "American" left us on February 11, 2003. He was born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, on February 27, 1916. After leaving Mexico at the age of 6, his family arrived in Superior before settling in the Phoenix area. On June 16, 1946, he married Dolores Martinez. Something he was always proud of was becoming a U.S. citizen after serving in the U.S. Army during WW II. He retired in 1976 from the Arizona Army National Guard after 26 years of service. In 1982, he retired as an Equipment Operator with the City of Phoenix. He is survived by his wife, Dolores; sons Ralph (Trini), Andrew (Patsy) and Alex Martinez (Becky); six grandchildren: Robert, Melissa, Andrew Paul (AP), Kristi, Sarah, and Nick; and four great-grandchildren: Alexis, Christian, Demi, and Xzaver. He was known as "Pop" to all his nieces and nephews and as "Sandy" to his many friends. Viewing will be Friday Feb. 24, 2003, from 5-7pm and rosary from 7-8pm at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 909 S. 1st Ave, Phx. Funeral mass will be Saturday Feb. 15, 2003 at 8am, at St. Anthony's with burial following at St. Francis Cemetery. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.