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Armando Gandarilla Obituary

Gandarilla, Armando "Mando"
62, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on January 23, 2011. The Gandarilla family is saddened to announce the death of a beloved father, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend "Judge Dad" Armando "Mando" Gandarilla. Mando peacefully passed to the Kingdom of God in the early hours of Sunday January 23, 2011. Armando was born to Filiberto and Ofelia T. Gandarilla on August 4, 1948. Mando is survived by his siblings Alejandro "Alex" Gandarilla, Ermila/Al Jolley, Jesus "Chuy" Gandarilla, Consuelo "Chelo" Gandarilla, Dolores "Lola" Gandarilla, Mike/Ruth Pentecost, children Daniel B. Gandarilla, Anastasia M. Gandarilla, Alexis L. Gandarilla, and Armando "Charles" Gandarilla, daughter in law Juliana Gandarilla and his nieces and nephews Andrea Jolley, Martin Gandarilla, Alejandra Gandarilla, Kristina Garnica, Andres "Andy" Garnica, Erminia O. Garnica "Minia", David M. Gandarilla, Robert Gandarilla, Gabriel Gandarilla, Gabrielle/Colin Clingan, Kelly Murphy, Maurice Conner, Isaiah Aldaba, Christian Durate, Nicholas Garnica, Athena Garnica, Simon Gandarilla, Mateo Garnica, Malaki Garnica, Chayse Clingan, Serena and Salmah and a proud grandfather to be to Violet (Violeta) Raye Gandarilla. During his lifetime Armando touched many lives through his charity work and kind heart. His service to the Grant Park Neighborhood and Maricopa County in many capacities earned him the prestigious Hon Kachina Award for service to his community. The Visitation and Funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 909 S. 1st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Visitation Sunday January 30, 2011 from 4-8pm and The Funeral Mass on January 31, 2011 at 10am. In honor of his contribution our family wishes that all donations be made to the St. Vicente de Paul Society, the Eduardo Valdez Jr Foundation, or Charity of your choice.
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Published by The Arizona Republic from Jan. 26 to Jan. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Armando Gandarilla

Not sure what to say?





rita barraza

February 20, 2012

Morning my cousin you pop up this morning so I had to check and see what was going on and it said new entry and there was nothing so I guess I'm it miss you cousin so much and everyone that has gone before you in HEAVEN" Love Alway Me Your #1 cousin"

Joan Heidenreiter

February 10, 2012

I have missed you alot and my own life has been in a turmoil. Moved back from CA to AZ and it put my stress in a frency. I miss our talks to help me thru this stuff.It is still have for me to believe you are no longer with us and only in out thoughts. Got be with you my dear friend. I really miss you now.

Vince Enriquez

January 24, 2012

Mando,

We still think of you. You are missed by all your friends and family.

May the Lord bless you and rest in peace,
Vince Enriquez

rita barraza

January 22, 2012

You are miss so much it been almost one year that god decide to take you home rest in peace cousin"

Marissa Lechuga

August 11, 2011

I just wanted to let our family know that I am praying for the strength and hope of a brighter new day!! I know that Birthdays and Holidays and Anniversaries are so hard without our loved ones although if we continue to have faith life will get better and trust me it will... with time it will!!!! Your MOM and DAD are oh so proud of all 4 of you and are sending extra love and happiness your way!! Happy Birthday Tio Mando!!!!

Joan Heidenreiter

August 9, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAREST FRIEND!MISS YOU SO VERY, VERY MUCH AND HOPE YOU ARE AT PEACE.MAY YOUR FAMILY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY WITH YOU IN THEIR HEARTS!
LOVE YOU MANDO!YOU ARE THE VERY BEST EVER.

your niece Andrea

August 9, 2011

My thoughts with you on your birthday and knowing the emptiness your children must have felt without you physically being here with them. Thank you Tio Mando for being the best dad and Tio!!!

Joan Heidenreiter

May 1, 2011

Glad to see the site still open.Hoping the best for the family.This seems to be a way of still being able to be in contact with Mando in some way.Miss him so very much.Wish he was here but I am sure he is in God's hands and is doing well finally at peace.Will still put in entries to keep my best regards to the family and friends and to feel some contact with Mando.Luv ya big guy!

April 16, 2011

I just found out about Armandos passing--i knew him all 4 years at Phoenix Union High--i last saw him about 2000 @ Stella Durate's press conference--i always knew he'd hed be successful & we'd be proud of him -a very gentle & polite persom

"Tito" Manuel Chavez

Joan Heidenreiter

March 4, 2011

Well, still have time to feel a little close as the book is still open. Just a way of being a little close to Mando. Missing you alot.
Thinking of you and your family much lately. Hope all is well with everyone and the family and friends are dealing better with your loss. I will keep in touch as long as the book is open. Love ya big guy!

Karole Nellis

March 2, 2011

Armando: It's been over thirty years since you and I went with my friends to the Scottsdale Six Drive In to see a Cheech and Chong movie, and 35 yeas since I worked with you at the probation dept. We were so young and so many adventures lay ahead. It is beyond sad that the world has lost you. God bless you and comfort your family.

Joan Heidenreiter

February 25, 2011

This will be the last Adios to my wonderful friend Mando and my deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Love you Mando and will see you again. Bye sweetie and will always keep your wonderful smile in my memories forever. Thank you for always being there for everyone.

Patricia Urtuzuastegui

February 25, 2011

My cousin Mando was an awesome guy. So loved! He gave this small town girl her first job in Phoenix back in the mid 70's at Coffelt Park. It sure was an education to work with inner city youth, to say the least. My dad used to say that Mando and the rest of his siblings have a smile as if they'd received extra change back. "Los hijos de Ofelia tienen una sonrisa como que les dieron feria de mas." The fact is that Mando was a most generous man! Love you Mando.

BAby TOny R.I.P. 1/23/90-6/17/09

Andrea Gandarilla-Jolley

February 25, 2011

Me & Your favorite Sister Ermila wit her only granddaughters!

Andrea Gandarilla-Jolley

February 25, 2011

Isaiah, Baby Tony, Serena, Selmah 10/31/2008

Andrea Gandarilla-Jolley

February 25, 2011

As I sit here in my nursing lecture@ Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria,CA on the WiFi I want to tell you "Thank You" for being such a hard a** on me your niece who was a rebel without a cause in her teenage years! LOL! The importance of EDUCATION you instilled in all of us nieces/nephews. Well I havnt given up & still determined to get my RN degree! When I spoke to you for the last time in Nov 2010 & you told me "remember I Love You a whole bunches" I was like is this my Tio Mando?? My whole life I never saw your sensitive side & was lost for words when I heard you say that to me. So I just want you to know "I Love You Tio Mando" and I know your there with Nana Ofelia, Tata Filiberto, and my beautiful son BAby TOny (1/23/90-6/17/09) in which your soul left your body on the day I gave birth to him. When I finally reach my goal of becoming an RN I know you, Nana, Tata, BAby TOny will be there with me in "Spirit" as I get my degree. Cheering me on for being determined and getting thru the obstacles that have been placed before me. I will "SUCCEED" and make you proud! Its taken a long time but better late than never! To my lil cuzins Daniel, Ana, Alexis, Charlie "I LOVE YOU ALL"! My Tio Mando did a hell of a job being a Father to all you! Just as he was my surrogate father the 1st years of my life! he just used me to get tha Girls! Mando keep me, your Godson Isaiah my beautiful baby boy, and my beautiful twins Serena Lucia & Selmah Amariah in your prayers and watch over us. Thank you for being the best "Tio" I could ever have.

Karen Mac Leish

February 21, 2011

I'm here one last time, Mando, to say how much you are loved and missed. You were a hard taskmaster in Intensive Probation, but we worked hard and did a good service to many people. Al Johnson of Ebony House, where we served on the board, sends his love. My son was married this weekend with your friend, Justice Andrew Ramirez officiating. I can see why you are friends. He is just like you. We could sense you there with us. The newlyweds, my son Erik and his bride, Vanessa send their love as well. Thank you for all you've done for all of us. Adios, Mando. Hasta siempre, Companero.

Joan Heidenreiter

February 20, 2011

This will be the last Adios Mando my dear friend. I will be thinking of you and your family for a long time to come. Since your book will soon go offline, this will be my last entry and just had to say one last farewell.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends that he held so dear in his heart. He was such a great person and always had nice things to say about everyone and OH THAT SMILE! That smile of this good picture of Mando will stay in my mind forever and that is the way I will always remember him. Laughing and joking and smiling with everyone.
Just know that he was loved by so many and I know they will also keep a special place in their hearts for him and the family.
Adios Mando till we meet again my dearest friend! I Love you.

Raymond Buchanan

February 7, 2011

Daniel,Ana,Charlie,Alex & family. It was a pleasure to see you all again, just saddened for the circumstances. As it's been shared by many folk, that your dad always had a kool-aid smile. He was a lot of things to a lot of people, but most of all he was a God loving, God fearing man who loved his familia & community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Shelly Brown

February 6, 2011

Ana, Charlie, Alexis and family.
I am very pleased to have met your father. He was a very kind ang loving man. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
You can tell he has done great work in life and it will continue to live on through his children and grand children

Pete & Mary Helen Ruelas

February 4, 2011

It was always such a pleasure to be greeted at the Portal by that beautiful & warm smile of Mando. Our sincerest sympathies to all the friends and family of such a beautiful man.

Rudy & Patsy Salas

February 1, 2011

Chuy,

Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. May the memories you have of your beloved brother give you comfort and to your family. Stop by and see us sometime.

Tom P

February 1, 2011

Mando was a long-time "Early Bird" at the Phoenix Lincoln Y. A cheery friend to all. We will miss him.

January 31, 2011

Our thougths and prayers are with the Gandarilla family during your time of sorrow. Armando was one of those special individuals that always had a smile for everyone - he will be forever missed. God bless you.
Ross and Terry Pacheco

Diana Bejarano

January 31, 2011

Mando,
You always had the biggest smile on your face! I can still picture you sitting in that first booth at El Portal. You have been a friend to my mom's family (Buchanan's) for years and I even remember going to buy candy at your mom's little store in the Grant Park barrio when I was 5 years old. You have been there for my brother and his mother's family, Rico Bejarano and Leticia Gandarilla through thick and thin. Thank you for serving the Latino community and for being a friend to all of us. May you rejoice in heaven with our Lord and our Savior!!!

Mike & Linda Hammel

January 31, 2011

We offer our condolences and prayers to the Gandarilla family. Mando was a good man we have known since we were kids. Mando always made us laugh, this news saddens us. God be with you until we meet again.

Susie Angulo

January 31, 2011

To the Gandarilla Family,

What wonderful memories I have of all of you growing up. From Grant school and Grant park, to Phoenix Union; Mando and Chuy as altar boys at St. Anthony’s Church; all of us as members of the CYO; and some of us at members of the Mariachi Choir. My childhood and teenage years were so full of fun times with the Gandarilla family.

I am glad that we reconnected recently after all these years apart. I am especially happy that I was able to talk to Mando and meet his family at Charlie’s going away party in November of last year. As everyone says, who can miss that Gandarilla smile and feel the warmth that is such a big part of your family. Mando was such a sweet young man who grew up to be a very special and influential man. He was blessed with great brothers and sisters, beautiful children, nieces and nephews, and many loving, caring friends and colleagues.

May God continue to reward him with eternal rest and peace, and may his memory be a reminder to us of all that is good and possible to achieve here on earth.

Brad Finch

January 31, 2011

I met Armando through his work with Adult Probation & always admired him. That smile was always there & he never had a bad word for anyone. He will be missed for sure but has gone on to the next step. C U & thank Armando. Friends, Brad Finch

Tanya Castellon

January 31, 2011

I had the honor of meeting this man through his children: and can honestly say that I have not met another father like him. Mando left behind beautiful memories but most import beautiful Life mottos many of us will use to guide us when we start Our families.

Michael Wilson

January 30, 2011

My condolences to the Gandarilla family.Mondo was like a brother to me and always there to help others in time of need.He was a special man on this earth who believe in the best of others..Mondo, thanks for giving me and other the hope that we can make a differences in other lifes'.

Guadalupe Romero Gonzales

January 30, 2011

My condolences to the Gandarilla Family.
God bless all of you at this time of sorrow.
love you all
Guadalupe Romero Gonzales

Esther Juarez\Chavez

January 29, 2011

My sympathy to all who loved Mando. He was one of the nicest human beings I know, and such a gentleman! May God bless all of his family and friends, for I know he will be greatly missed.

January 29, 2011

To Mando's beloved children, Daniel, Ana, Alexis and Charles, brothers and sisters and family,
I have many fond memories of Mando, but mostly how he greeted me with that infectious smile which, I believe, was his trademark and represented the warm and generous person he was. He continued to demonstrate his kindness as being an instrumental part of those who started the Eduardo Valdez, Jr. Fondation in memory of his dear friend, and my beloved brother, "Eddie."
He was a faithful servant and the Lord knew that when He wrapped His Loving Arms around him and said ...well done...
May our Heavenly Father's unfailing love and compassion provide strength and comfort in the days ahead for you all.
Our love and prayers,
Susan (Valdez), Hector and the Martinez Family

Norma Angulo Preciado

January 29, 2011

Mando, My Friend, We go way back. We have known each other since our early childhood at St. Anthony's. I was so sad to hear of your passing. You were such an amazing person! As everyone as mentioned, you always had an amazing SMILE! It didn't matter how long it was that we had seen each other, you always greeted me with Open Arms and a Big
Hug. The World has lost an Amazing Man! Thank You for all of Your Help in Our Community. To your Family, Thank You for Sharing Your Brother and Father with us. Mando will be Missed!

Louise Angulo Ruiz

January 29, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the Gandarilla family. I was shocked to hear the sad news. I have known Mando since the 60's back at Lowell, Phoenix Union, and of course St. Anthony's Church. Boy you sure could not miss that great big smile of his!! He had so many friends. Mando, you are at peace.

Richard Godinez

January 29, 2011

It's been many years since I saw you Mando. I will not forget your hard work and dedication towards the community, especially one of the first Phoenix Fight Back Programs with Mary Rose & others. There was defintely something about you that I admired, your love for the people and the commmunity. Your family surely was blessed with your love and compassion for others. (Grant Park)

January 28, 2011

My prayers to Mando's familia, Mando was the Grant Park Barrio, we helped alot of kids, planted lot of trees. Mando was good person and am blessed to have known and worked with him in doing what he loved giving back to the barrio.

R. Figueroa

Andres "Andy" Valdez

January 28, 2011

You may know someone for many years and you may know someone for only a short while. But, it only takes a few moments to know if this person is genuine and has the capability of being a friend. I knew Armando was to be my friend the moment I met him. I am proud to know that Armando was not only my friend, but also my brother in Christ Jesus. I will always love "Mando" To all his wonderful family, I offer my condolences and prayers. Peace be unto you all.

Elizabeth Valdez

January 28, 2011

"Mando" could greet you a block away with his beautiful, ear to ear smile. At the end of that smile was a warm embrace that made you feel that he had nothing else to do but spend some time with you. Thank you Mando for all the fond times we all shared together during the formative years - from teaching us some good dance moves to debating politics! You were such a loyal and sincere friend to our brother, Eddie, and to all of the Valdez family. I learned so many important things from both of you. I cannot speak of them in this format, but you knew how very special you were to me. I count you among the best of our generation and I know that you have gone home to be with our Lord and God. Rest in peace good and faithful servant You have fought the battle and won the crown of life! To all the Gandarilla family, love and prayers to you all now and forever.

Joan Heidenreiter

January 28, 2011

I am again sending this as I am so saddened of this loss. I will not be able to attend the service but will be saying a prayer from my new home in California on Monday during his funeral service. My Peace Lily will be there for me next to you as we all say our farewells.
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AGAIN GO OUT TO ALL THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
ADIOS MY DEAR FRIEND MANDO, I WILL LOVE AND REMEMBER YOUR WONDERFUL LAUGH AND SMILE FOREVER!
I CAN STILL HEAR YOUR LAUGH AND SEE YOU SO CLEAR IN MY MIND AND YOU WILL STAY THERE ALWAYS. HOPE I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN MY FRIEND MANDO WHEN WE WILL ALL BE REUNITED.

John & Carmen Cruz

January 28, 2011

God Bless you friend we will miss you.. May you rest in peace. Our condolences an prayers go out to the Gandarilla family.

Esteban Mendez

January 27, 2011

Having worked with Judge Gandarilla in the D.T.J.C. was a pleasure. I enjoyed knowing Judge Gandarilla as a compassionate, kind and caring man who reached out to everyone around him. I willl miss him for his chuckle, fun teasing and jokes and his earnest desire to be a great public servant for the people. Judge Gandarilla will not be forgotten. My heart felt sympathy goes out to his beautiful family at this time of loss. Judge Mando, vaya con Dios.

Julian M. Santos

January 27, 2011

I had the distinct pleasure of being one of Judge Gandarilla's interpreters in his court for the better part of a year. I saw what a kind and fair man he was and when he found out that I was a Viet Nam vet, he would request that I would interpret in his court because when I would come into the courtroom, he had the gallery standing and would introduce me to the people that were there. He would have me identify the other vets in the court room and he would say that he wanted to do his part to let everyone know how grateful he was for our service. I asked hime if he would not do that anymore because it was very humbling and even though he said he wouldn't, he thanked us for our sacrifices to preserve his freedom. I know that this man has set the bar very high and although his family and friends will miss him, they are so proud the memories he left us with.

Ernie Garcia

January 27, 2011

Dear Gandarilla Family,

I have so many fond memories of Mando. From our meeting at Lowell School, going through Phoenix Union High School, and conncecting periodically therafter. His smile, humor, compassion, faith, consideration and good heart will be missed by all who new him.

Our sympathetic thoughts and prayers are with Armando's Family.

Love and Blessings,

Ernie(Garcia) and Paula(Kulina)

Karen Mac Leish

January 27, 2011

Mando, I was so looking forward to seeing you as a judge performing a wedding ceremony for my son in Feb. We were the best team in the probation department, that's for sure, wow, so many years ago. I LOVE YOU MANDO. I MISS YOU, MISS YOU, MISS YOU! You have been loved by so many...If love could keep us alive, you would have lived forever.

January 27, 2011

We knew Mando for so many years-what a wonderful and unique person who left a legacy of good works and memories of a huge smile to match his huge heart! He was beloved and admired for his warmth, kindness, and his continual desire to be of service. Our condolences and warmest wishes to the Gandarilla family in this time of shock and loss. We hold you in our prayers. Jake and Amanya Jacobs

January 27, 2011

My prayers go out to the Gandarilla family. Mando's great spirit will truly be missed but will live on through his beautiful children. We thank this man for all the great things he did. He touched the lives of many including me with even the smallest gestures, he provided comfort when someone was in need. I may have not thanked him in life, but thank him now for being such a wonderful human-being.(Phoenix Arizona)

JOAN HEIDENREITER

January 27, 2011

TO THE FAMILY OF MY BELOVED FRIEND "MANDO":

There are just not enough words to express the loss I am feeling along with so many others. My heart is so broken. I knew Mando from the beginning I started working at the Probation Dept. and stayed friends with him for over 20 years. We worked on getting the "Purple Bike Program" started and worked together on so many other projects together in the Garfield district.He worked in the house across the street from the Garfield Center when we first opened it and I was helpinG to manage it at the time he began working out of the house across the street. Every morning, he would have my donuts ready for me and we spent so many good times together and I can still hear his wonderful laugh and it will stick with me forever.
MANDO, I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU! YOU TOUCHED MY HEART IN SO MANY WAYS AS YOU DID WITH SO SO MANY PEOPLE. IT IS SUCH A GREAT LOSS OF SUCH A WONDERFUL MAN. EVEN THE BIGGEST HEART HE HAD JUST COULD NOT HOLD OUT ANYMORE AND HE IS FINALLY AT PEACE WITH GOD.
MANDO, I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND HOPE YOUR FAMILY GETS MY MESSAGE AS THEY NEED TO KNOW HOW IMPORTANT YOU WERE AND HOW MANY PEOPLE YOU REALLY TOUCHED!
I WILL LOVE YOU AND REMEMBER YOU FOREVER! ALL MY LOVE TO YOU MANDO AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I would love to hear back from anyone if they are interested. My e-mail is "[email protected]. I will be praying for the family and hope to hear back. ALL MY LOVE AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU!

Tawnya Graham-Schoolitz

January 27, 2011

Your smile will be missed. You were a favorite memory of my childhood. Rest in Peace.

Tawnya Graham-Schoolitz

January 27, 2011

Your smile will be missed. You were a favorite memory of my childhood. Rest in Peace.

Mary H. Gonzales

January 27, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with The Gandarilla Family. Mando was a great person, always helping people. I remember Mando way back in the 70's whe he worked at the Juvenile Ct.Substance Abuse Program. Mando never changed. He was always friendly and kept that smile. Mando you will be missed, God Bless you.

Michelle Borquez

January 27, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the Gandarilla Family. Mando was a very good person within the community and the church and would help anyone who needed it. He will be dearly missed.

Violet Actipis

January 26, 2011

To all of the Gandarilla family, my heart broke today as I heard the sad news about Armando passing away. I've known Mando since freshman year at Phx Union High. Years passed but we kept in touch, he became my sons Valley Big Brother, what great times we had as we all felt we were family. Mando was an example to all who knew him. The legacy that he has left his family is something for all of you to be proud of. He definitely made an impact in so many lives and my family was just one of many. God bless you and may the Lord Jesus comfort you during this time of sorrow and loss.

Violet (Guerrero) Actipis

Joseph Urtuzuastegui

January 26, 2011

I will miss you and your patented smile dearly. Rest in peace my cousin.

George Hernandez

January 26, 2011

Mando you were a great friend, mentor and inspiration in my life. I am very grateful to you because you were always there for me. I will always remember your kindness and thoughfullness for people who were less fortunate. You left this place a better world to be with the Lord. I will miss you, Mando!

January 26, 2011

My prayers and condolences go out to the Gandarilla family. I remember when we were altar boys together at St. Anthony's Church. We remained friends throughout our lives. I especially enjoyed conversations with him when we got together at his neighbors house, Floyd Sam. Mando, I will be talking to you again tonight in my prayers. Juntos Siempre!
El Tony Lovett

Chacon Rudy G.

January 26, 2011

I have known Mando as Judge Gandarilla and Mando my friend. Our last encounter was at AML Post 41 during Christmas. Charlie was on leave and we had a great time! Rest in peace Judge/Friend.

Sandra Bejarano-Aragon

January 26, 2011

I was so sorry to hear this sad news. I ran into Mando within the past year and we discussed his JP position. Of course, Mando, was flashing that big smile that we all came to know and love. Mando was a kind, gentle soul and a friend to all. God bless you Gandarilla family...you have another angel looking out for you.

January 26, 2011

Armondo, you will be deeply missed by myself and many others who's lives you have touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones... Albert Pittman Johnson

Jan and Joy Bennett

January 26, 2011

To the Gandarilla family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. Mando was a wonderful man and good friend. We will miss him.

Karen Mac Leish

January 26, 2011

Mando was going to perform my son's wedding in Feb. I called today to give him time & place. I was so looking forward to seeing him again. Mando and I worked together as partners in the Probation Dept. Best P.O. ever. I love you Mando. I miss you.

Vince & Char Enriquez

January 26, 2011

Our friend Mando is with the Lord. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family. We all will miss Mando.

Tommy Navarro

January 26, 2011

To the Gandarilla Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Mando was a wonderful man and mentor to many of us in the Grant School neigborhood. He was a wonderful friend to me and my family. He will be missed. May God Bless Mando.

Patty Villanueva

January 26, 2011

Uncle Mando, I wish we could have kept in better contact. You had the same smile that I remembered from the late 60's.

Patricia Alba Hernandez

January 26, 2011

I was saddened to learn of my good friend Mando's passing. I've known him since high school where we both played violin in the orchestra. Even then, Mando had that warm spirit, positive outlook, and gentle sense of humor that would define his adulthood. Although I didn't see him often over the years, it was always comforting to know that I could run into him at any time. I will miss him. My heartfelt prayers are with his family and all who loved him.

January 26, 2011

De La Familia Lopez nuestro mas sentido pesame. Armando un grand homber un grand ser que descanse en paz.

Richard R

January 26, 2011

We have lost a great person but Our Lord as gain a beautiful Angel. That's what Mando was an Angel to anyone that knew him. You will surely be missed by all but never ever forgotten. Rest because you have done your work here. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family and love ones. God Bless you Mando !!!!!

Jeanette Verchimak

January 26, 2011

I could always count on a big hug and a kiss whenever I would see Mando. He was great to work with, but even more, he was a beautiful friend.

Marissa Lechuga

January 26, 2011

So saddened by this unexpected loss....although the one thing that I am certain of is that Tio Mando is at rest with all of our family that has passed before us!! He will always live on through all of the great things he accomplished in this lifetime. My love and prayers go out to our whole family.

January 26, 2011

Mando was, quite simply, the very best of the best. I still remember the first first day I met him at OIC in the mid-70's. He brought two of his Probationers that he wanted me to help with, the first of many. Always upbeat, always helping somebody, always the greatest of friends.

I never saw him when he didn't flash that big, happy grin. Like Mando, that grin was genuine and it was real. That will always be my memory of this great guy. RIP, Amigo!

Joe Duarte

January 26, 2011

I can't even begin to express my sorrow and I don't want to ramble. My prayers are with the Gandarilla family. From grade school on I could not have had a better friend and I will forever be grateful to have had you in my life. I LOVE YOU

Patsy Flores

January 26, 2011

Freddy and I went to PC with Mando. What a great guy! Always smiling, he made you feel better just spending time with him.

Mando, you made this world a better place! You will be missed.

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Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Armando Gandarilla's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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