Frank Rendon

Frank Federico Rendon passed away on December 18, 2023. He was born in Embudo NM on November 5, 1947, to Cruzita Romero and was later adopted by Manuel and Victoria Rendon. He grew up in Dixon, NM, spent summers in Santa Maria, California with his mom Cruzita, stepfather Andrew Peneranda, brothers, Simon, Ted, and Andrew Jr.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Ariana Rendon, brothers, Andrew Peneranda, Jr.; Simon Romero and wife Mary; Steve Rendon and wife Laura; sister Jovita Rendon Ramirez; and ward and nephew Daniel Rendon.

Frank is survived by his daughter Deianira Christner, husband Dennis, grandsons Hayden and Kaleb Christner; his daughter Julieanne Rhodes, husband Brian, grandchildren Olivia and Roman Rhodes; and stepson Timothy Martinez, wife Pam, grandchildren Emily and Bryan Martinez. He is also survived by his beloved sweetheart and partner Becky Vigil and her family, Rachel Vigil and Ben Santistevan; Ivonae and Karli Vejil; Flavio, Julio, Leticia and Liana Vigil; Julio II and Ophelia Vigil; brother Ted Valdos, wife Charlotte and family; godson DJ Lucero; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Frank graduated from Menaul High School in Albuquerque, NM in 1965. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Army where he earned the rank of Captain and served two tours in Vietnam as a forward observer and artillery liaison. In service to his country, he was awarded five Bronze Stars for valor above and beyond, as well as numerous other medals and awards. Following fulfillment of his military duties, Frank returned to NM to attend the University of New Mexico and Northern New Mexico College. He went on to work for many NM state agencies and Santa Fe County government. His career in Finance, Administration and Management spanned 26 years.

After retiring, he was called upon to work in state agencies and private institutions that needed his expertise, hence, he continued his work for 10 more years. Along the way, he influenced and mentored many individuals, helping them to succeed in their respective careers. In addition, he served on many committees and boards assisting towns and communities in NM in various endeavors. In his spare time, he volunteered to coach Little League baseball and softball and elementary school basketball, teaching and mentoring many young people in Santa Fe, NM. During the last 15 years, Frank lived in Rio Rancho where he continued to do community service as a board member of the Menaul Historical Library. Menaul was always near and dear to his heart and he never forgot the life lessons he learned there. He reciprocated through donations and service in their name. Frank also loved a party; his classmates, schoolmates and many friends were invited and welcomed into his home for class reunions and other gatherings.

Additionally, he enjoyed traveling with Becky, was an avid golfer, an insatiable reader, and ardent UNM Lobos and Denver Broncos fan. Most importantly, he was a kind, generous, and loving father, grandfather, uncle, partner, and friend. In his 76 years, he garnered friendship, affection, and respect from all the people whose lives he touched. He will be dearly missed, but his spirit, wisdom, and love will live on in the minds and hearts of all who knew, respected, and loved Frank Federico Rendon.

A memorial service will be held on January 5, 2024, 10:00 am at Legacy Church, 4701 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM. Burial service will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on January 9, 2024, at 11:00 am. Pallbearers will be Robert Apodaca, Roy Cruz Juanito Lovato, Harold Nolan, David A. Romero, Marcos Tapia and Fidel Salazar. Honorary pallbearers will include Dennis Christner, Brian Rhodes, Joseph Pacheco, Richard Archuleta, Robert Garcia, Peter Maes, Noe Villareal, Jerry Loucks, Alfonso Romero, Lee Peneranda, Dena Peneranda, Victoria Moriarty, and all his grandchildren.