Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Mario Obledo Obituary
Obledo's wife, Keda Alcala-Obledo, says he died Wednesday in Sacramento after suffering a massive heart attack.
During his career, Obledo was known for his support of civil rights and humanitarian causes.
In 1998, President Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, the nation's highest civilian honor.
While serving as California's secretary of health and welfare from 1975 to 1982, he was credited with encouraging Latinos to enter state government.
Obledo also was co-founder of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, or MALDEF, and the Hispanic National Bar Association. He was national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens in 1983-85.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
34 Entries
September 27, 2010
I worked with Mario Obledo for a short time at MALDEF. He was a very kind hearted man and a very fair man to work for. He was a true and tireless advocate for the Latino community. I deeply respected him and the work he was doing. pdc (San Francisco, Ca.)
Margarita Recinos
September 25, 2010
Para la Familia Obledo -- Much appreciation to you and sincere thanks for having shared Mario Obledo with us. What an important role model he was and will continue to be for all Latinos. We are grateful for all his good work!
September 16, 2010
My heart goes out to the wife and family of Mario Obledo, for their great loss. He served his community and country well, and he will be missed.
L.O. (Galt, Ca.)
How you can show support
Betsy for Christopher Earl Flores y Hill
September 12, 2010
I had a short conversation with "Uncle Mario" only one time, when I met him at the family gathering in San Antonio. But over the years I constantly heard of him through all his San Antonio family. He was kind and generous to his siblings, nieces and nephews, as well as his community and country. He carried his torch high and ran a good race; He was a great man and will be missed by his family and community. My sincere condolences to his children, siblings and extended family.
September 10, 2010
Mario, our sympathy on the loss of your Father.....Viviano & Melinda
September 9, 2010
With our sincere sympathy sorry for your lost, from Mr. n Mrs. Allen Gamez ( known as Cochise or Chico) Gamez .
Mary G. Villarreal sends her symathy also.
San antonio tx.
Stephanie, Nieves, Dilian A
September 8, 2010
Aunque nunca tuvimos el privilegio de conocer al señor Mario Obledo personalmente, pudimos notar que fue un hombre que lucho por el bienestar de lo demas a pesar de vivir en una epoca en que es muy poco comun el altruismo. Es por eso que es tan doloroso la perdida de hombres como el. Sin embargo, podemos contar con una esperanza, de que en un futuro tanto êl como otras personas pueden volver a la vida en un mundo lleno de justicia e igualdad como nos promete Jehova Dios en su palabra la biblia. (Revelacion o Apocalipsis 21:3,4)
Leonor Perez
September 6, 2010
My most sincere sympathy to the family.
A friend,
Mrs. Leonor G. Perez
Lorraine D
August 26, 2010
A true blessing it was to know this man. I first met Mario when I was a child. Later in life, when I had my own teenagers, our paths crossed again within Latino organizations (LULAC, et al). Little did I know that this man I met when I was a child, would become so instrumental in my own 3 children's lives. His connections with other civil rights leaders and youth organizations in Washington state (especially Institute for Community Leadership) became a source of their long-term involvement. I will always be thankful for the encouragement he gave and the lives that he touched. With utmost respect, I remain.
August 25, 2010
Arte Americas, the Latino cultural center in Fresno, CA, extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mario G. Obledo.
Theresa Obledo
August 25, 2010
''Condolences to the family.To my uncle Mario we were very proud of you,you'll be missed by many many people may god blessed you and rest in peace...''Theresa Obledo(Houston,Texas)
Elisa Sanchez
August 23, 2010
Mario, was an incredible man and personified the best of who we are as Latinos. In Spanish we would say "era un hombre simple y humilde." While holding the presidency of LULAC he was in DC and wanted to know more about MANA. So he personally came over to NCLR where my office was located. Several of us were stuffing envelopes and he immediately sat down and helped while learning about what we were doing.
My very deepest condolences to the family - he will be sorely misses
Rosie Whipple
August 23, 2010
My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed but his legacy will live on.
Victoria~ VZj
August 23, 2010
Condolences&sentiments
extended with many cousins
to those family&Friends of 'Mario'
He will be forever missed..very much respected inspiration much courage~
August 23, 2010
may the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort strength you in your time of need... cor.2:3,4 Ann, Alanta,Ga.
Wilma Espinoza
August 23, 2010
Our nation has lost a great leader.
Mario played a significant role in the development of the Latino community. He used the law, science, business and public service to enable Latinos and Latinas to make strides in this country and to advance the broader cause of civil rights and humanitarian causes.
He made no distinction between the abilities and standing of men and women and he had the decency to treat us as equals. When he sought rights for Latinos, there was no doubt he sought them for both males and females, as well as for people of all ethnicities and races. I had the great pleasure of personally knowing and working with him.
Through his work and advocacy, he opened doors of employment and opportunity for many Americans across this country.
We mourn his loss as a leader in our community—and our nation.
More so, we mourn the absence of many more men and women like him—potential leaders of all stripes who could make a difference, but who are caught in the contentiousness that envelops our country at this juncture of our history.
Bea acosta
August 23, 2010
My sincerest condolences to the family for your loss. Mr. Obledo mentored many, a great example, His legacy will live on.
Arturo Lopez
August 23, 2010
To Mrs. Robledo and family:
My sincerest condolences on your great loss. Though I did not have the pleasure and honor in meeting Mr.Robledo but, as a Latino, my heart swelled when in 1998 , President Clinton awarded Mr. Robledo the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award , the nation's highest civilian honor.
Michael M. Reyna
August 22, 2010
Keda, your loss is our/everyone's loss; Karen and I hurt for you. We know how much you and Mario loved each other. May God's warm embrace hold and comfort you and your family during this most difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers; peace be with you.
Liz Sifuentes
August 22, 2010
Dear Sylvia, Sybil, Mario Jr. and your children, Mario's grandchildren,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He did so much to speak for those who had no voice.
Sincerely,
Liz Sifuentes
Ellie Enriquez Peck
August 22, 2010
Dear Keda. I am saddened to hear of your beloved Mario's passing. My sincerest condolences to you and Marios children and, probably by now, grandchildren. He was a powerful leader. Ellie Enriquez Peck
Frances Martinez
August 21, 2010
I was saddened with the news of Uncle Mario's passing. My deepest condolances to Keda and my cousins. I pray for God to give you the strength to make it through this difficult time.
August 21, 2010
A true American hero has passed. Mario was a mentor for many, a souful, quiet yet forceful leader who never gave an inch to injustice. His many honors reflected a life of commitment and passion for the voiceless, never tiring in his quest on their behalf. I was blessed to know him, work with him and admire his courage. Senator Art Torres (Ret.)
Lorraine Jimenez
August 21, 2010
My dear cousins, Sylvia, Sybil and Mario Jr. My prayers are with you May GOD give you peace and comfort. We will all miss Uncle Mario deeply. He will always be my hero.
August 21, 2010
Keda,
Linda and I were saddened to hear of Mario's passing. He was a great friend and a national leader.
Bob and Linda Davis
August 21, 2010
Please accept my condolances for the lost of your loved one. it impressed me that Mr. Obledo saw injustice and tried to correct it. God hates injustice and surely will have Mr. Obledo in his memory when he resurrects dead mankind to a life on a paradise earth where injustice will be a thing of the past.
H.Possemato
R Golay
August 21, 2010
To the the family of Mario Obledo - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Mario will be missed by many.
sandy williams
August 20, 2010
Dear Sylvia, Sybil and Mario Jr.,
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. We loved him very much and we know he loved you too. We are all thinking of you and you are all in our prayers. Peace be with you all during your time of sorrow.
Love,
The Williams Family
Pat & John Taylor
August 20, 2010
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your loved one and a friend of John's since high school. The Community and his friends will miss his smile and his commitment.
August 20, 2010
My condolences to Mr. Obledo's family. May the "God of all comfort" be with you.
Lenor Nunez
August 20, 2010
To the Obledo family..
I am deeply saddened to hear about Mario's passing. He was a great mentor to me. I consider the years that I've worked at the Coalition for Mario, the beat years of my career. You guys always made feel welcomed like family. Because of Mario, I've continue to be an advocate in fighting for social justice in the Latino Community. I've never forgotten Mario and the family, and I never will. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Sincerely,
Lenor A. Nunez
Victoria VZj
August 20, 2010
condolences to
Obledo family
circle of Friends
godbless you
thru eternal
Afterlife
~Restnpeace~
Mario Obledo~
Pam Downing
August 20, 2010
Keda,
My deepest sympathies go out to you for your loss of Mario. I know how deeply you loved him. You are in my prayers my good friend.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Mario Obledo's name
How to support Mario's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Mario Obledo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored