Jose Antonio “Tony” Official Obituary November 29, 1940 – October 6, 2026 A Life of Faith, Hard Work, Loyalty, and Love of Family Jose Antonio “Tony” Cuellar, age 85, passed away on October 6, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Born on November 29, 1940, in the Los Ranchos community of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tony was the son of Luis Cuellar and Rosalita Trujillo and was raised by his mother, Rosalita, and Procopio Sanchez. He lived a full life grounded in deep Catholic faith, hard work, personal honor, generosity, and devotion to family. Tony was a man of his word. His handshake was his bond, and he believed in facing difficult matters directly and standing by his commitments. A jack-of-all-trades, Tony retired from the University of New Mexico and also owned and operated his own plumbing and maintenance business. He took great pride in using his hands to solve problems, repair what was broken, and help others. Family was at the center of Tony’s life. He loved both of his wives deeply and treasured the distinct chapters of marriage and family life he shared with each of them. With his first wife, Josie, Tony raised five children in a home shaped by Catholic faith and family tradition. Later, with his second wife, Sue, he welcomed her children and their families into his life and heart, loving them as his own. Each marriage held its own history, joys, sacrifices, and memories. They were all his family, and he was proud of every generation joined through them. Tony is survived by his sister Ernestine; his daughter, Jeanette Sandoval, and her husband, Leo Sandoval; his sons, Anthony Cuellar, Andrew Cuellar, and Lawrence Cuellar, and Lawrence’s wife, Marlene Cuellar; and the children he welcomed through his second marriage, Ethan George, Nadine Flores, and Nathan George. He is also survived by his grandchildren, including those he welcomed through marriage and loved as his own: Gabriel Sandoval; Melissa Sandoval; Tina Sandoval; Tianna Galindo and her husband, Javier Galindo; Martha Sandoval and her partner, Obie Valverde; Shea Cuellar; Keith Cuellar and his partner, Miranda; Andrew “Drew” Cuellar and his wife, Courtney; Heavenly Cuellar and her fiancé, Jerry Davis; Lawrence Cuellar Jr.; Isis Cuellar; Alejandra Cuellar; Joseph Cuellar-Webb and his fiancée, Morgan Jones; Laila Cuellar; Alicia Carranza; Gabriel Carranza; Autumn Webb and her partner, Aaron Torres; Anthony Webb; Jessica Aragon; Steven Jojola; Fernando Garcia; Brianna Sandoval and her husband, William Kennedy; Keanu Sandoval; Seven Flores; and Noden Flores. Tony’s legacy also lives through his 31 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Each held a special place in his heart, and he took tremendous pride in the generations of his family. He is also lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and by the lifelong friends who shared in his journey. Tony was preceded in death by his beloved wives, Josie and Sue; his son, Gerald Cuellar; his grandsons, Anthony Daniel Cuellar, Sean Cuellar, Preston Cuellar, and Leo Sandoval Jr.; Teresa, the wife of his stepson Ethan George; and his siblings, Henry, Manuel, Joe, Mary Lou, Lupe, Valentine, Carmen, Beatrice, and Mela. Their names and their places in this family are not forgotten. During the final years of Tony’s life, he lived in Phoenix with his son Lawrence, his daughter-in-law Marlene, and their family. He was deeply loved, cherished every day, and welcomed into their home as a profound privilege. He remained an important and beloved part of everyday life—a father, father-in-law, grandfather, family elder, and treasured daily presence. Tony will be remembered for his steadfast faith, the value he placed on his word, the dignity he found in honest work, and the love he carried for his family. His life continues through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and through the many people whose lives were touched by his generosity, strength, and loyalty. Rest peacefully, beloved Tony, Your work on earth is through. We thank God for the life you lived, And the years we shared with you. “Their bodies are buried in peace, but their name lives on generation after generation.” — Sirach 44:14, NRSV, Catholic Interconfessional Service and Interment Information A Celebration of Life honoring Tony will be held on November 5, 2026, at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 4th St NW, Alameda, NM 87114. The service time will be announced. His ashes will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery following the Celebration of Life. Reception details will be announced as arrangements are finalized.