Marcelino Guadalupe Armendariz

Marcelino G. Armendariz, age 72, a man of many gifts and talents and an Albuquerque resident for 50 years, passed away at 3:05pm on February 3rd, 2026, surrounded by his wife and two sons.

Marcelino was born on March 29th, 1953 in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico and is proceeded in death by his father Marcelino and mother Manuela (Garcia) Armendariz. He spent his early childhood living in Los Angeles, CA, right next to Dodger stadium listening to games from the streets. This is where he first fell in love with sports. He then moved to El Paso, TX during junior high where he joined the school band as a drummer. He had very humble beginnings living in a low income household and became a proud naturalized citizen during high school. Through his gifts and hard work, he was the first member of his family to obtain an academic scholarship for both a B.S. and M.S. in electrical engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso. During this time he also met his wife, Maria Elena, who this year would have been married for 50 years. They moved to Albuquerque shortly after being recruited out of college where he started as a research engineer at Sandia National Laboratories. He earned the rank of Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff with over 10 U.S. patents, a Nova award, and an R&D Top 100 New Product of 2002, but more importantly made invaluable friendships. During his career he also pursued other passions including league softball, basketball and flag football. He was also a drummer for the Albuquerque Shriner band playing many local events. Additionally, he obtained his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying all over New Mexico. He was also active in his sons’ development, coaching junior league teams of various sports (baseball, basketball and football) and was director of the annual Pageant of the Bands competition during his sons’ high school marching days. Following retirement, he got more involved in the Albuquerque Radio Control Club. His passion for RC flying and connecting with his flying buddies turned into a very special time in his life. He made long lasting relationships and is grateful to have known so many great friends at the airfield. One of his greatest gifts was staying connected to friends and family from all phases of his life.

He is survived by his wife (Maria Elena/Malena), two sons: Marcelino/Nino (wife, Erin), Marco (wife, Andrea), five grandchildren: Marissa, Reia, Serina, Ethan, Miles, two siblings: Jesus/Chuy (brother) and Lori/Tinis (sister), and leaves many cherished aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation will be held February 16th, 6:30pm-7:00pm followed by Rosary and Eulogy at Daniel’s Funerals (7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM)

Funeral Mass will be held February 17th, 09:30am at Risen Savior (7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM) with burial at Gate of Heaven (7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM) reception to follow.