Cover photo for Reynaldo S. Ornelas's Obituary
1949 Reynaldo S. Ornelas 2024

Reynaldo S. Ornelas

January 7, 1949 — November 12, 2024

Nogales, AZ

Reynaldo "Negro" S. Ornelas, born on January 7, 1949, in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, peacefully passed away on November 12 2024, in Nogales, Arizona, surrounded by the warmth of his loved ones. He lived a life by quiet strength and unwavering devotion, particularly to his beloved wife, Beatrice Ornelas, with whom he shared 51 wonderful years of marriage.

A proud graduate of Nogales High School, Reynaldo showed great courage and commitment when he joined the United States Navy, serving valiantly during the Vietnam War on the U.S.S. Hancock CVA-19. For his bravery and service, he was honored with several distinguished medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Reynaldo embodied what it means to serve one's country, and his legacy of love for freedom and family will be cherished forever.

Though he was a reserved individual, Reynaldo's gentle nature and loyalty to his family and friends shone bright in everything he did. He was a devoted father to his children, Mayra Valencia (Manny), Reynaldo Ornelas Jr., Jose Ornelas (Leticia), and Ivan Ornelas. His grandchildren, Manuel, Michael, Jose, Kiara, Chelsy and Rubit brought him immense joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Reynaldo's proudest accomplishments revolve around his family, and he made it a priority to create lasting memories, filling their lives with love and laughter.

Reynaldo had a host of interests that enriched his life. He found solace in playing his guitar, letting the music tell stories of his heart. A passionate sports enthusiast, he cheered for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Diamondbacks, showing his spirit for competition and camaraderie. His love for his community was evident as he looked forward to attending the City of Nogales Veteran's Day parade, an event that reflected his pride in service, and which he attended just one day prior to his passing.

As we remember Reynaldo, we celebrate the man who dedicated his life to those he loved. He leaves behind not only his beloved Beatrice and children but also many nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever hold his memory dear. Though he may have been a man of few words, his presence spoke volumes; the very essence of devotion and resilience. Reynaldo "Negro" S. Ornelas’s spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him, reminding us of the profound impact a life lived with love can have on the world.

Reynaldo "Negro" S. Ornelas, nacido el 7 de enero de 1949 en Nogales, Sonora, México, falleció pacíficamente el 12 de noviembre de 2024 en Nogales, Arizona, rodeado del calor de sus seres queridos. Vivió una vida de fortaleza silenciosa y devoción inquebrantable, particularmente hacia su amada esposa, Beatrice Ornelas, con quien compartió 51 maravillosos años de matrimonio.

Reynaldo, un orgulloso graduado de la escuela secundaria de Nogales, demostró gran coraje y compromiso cuando se unió a la Marina de los Estados Unidos, sirviendo valientemente durante la Guerra de Vietnam en el U.S.S. Hancock CVA-19. Por su valentía y servicio, fue honrado con varias medallas distinguidas, incluida la Medalla de Servicio de Defensa Nacional, la Medalla de Servicio en Vietnam y la Medalla de Campaña de la República de Vietnam. Reynaldo encarnó lo que significa servir a su país, y su legado de amor por la libertad y la familia será apreciado por siempre.

Aunque era una persona reservada, la naturaleza gentil de Reynaldo y su lealtad hacia su familia y amigos brillaban en todo lo que hacía. Era un padre devoto de sus hijos, Mayra Valencia (Manny), Reynaldo Ornelas Jr., José Ornelas (Leticia) e Iván Ornelas. Sus nietos, Manuel, Michael, José, Kiara, Chelsy y Rubit le trajeron una inmensa alegría, y apreciaba cada momento que pasaba con ellos. Los logros de los que más se enorgullece Reynaldo giran en torno a su familia, y se propuso crear recuerdos duraderos, llenando sus vidas de amor y risas.

Reynaldo tenía una gran cantidad de intereses que enriquecían su vida. Encontraba consuelo en tocar su guitarra, dejando que la música contara historias de su corazón. Un apasionado entusiasta de los deportes, animaba tanto a los San Francisco 49ers como a los Arizona Diamondbacks, mostrando su espíritu de competencia y camaradería. Su amor por su comunidad era evidente mientras esperaba asistir al desfile del Día de los Veteranos de la Ciudad de Nogales, un evento que reflejaba su orgullo por el servicio y al que asistió solo un día antes de su fallecimiento.

Al recordar a Reynaldo, celebramos al hombre que dedicó su vida a sus seres queridos. Deja atrás no solo a su amada Beatrice y a sus hijos, sino también a muchas sobrinas, sobrinos y amigos que siempre recordarán su memoria. Aunque pudo haber sido un hombre de pocas palabras, su presencia decía mucho; la esencia misma de la devoción y la resiliencia. El espíritu de Reynaldo "Negro" S. Ornelas seguirá resonando en los corazones de todos los que lo conocieron, recordándonos el profundo impacto que una vida vivida con amor puede tener en el mundo.


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Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Thursday, November 21, 2024

10:00am - 12:30 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)

Martinez Funeral Chapels - Nogales

891 W Mariposa Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621

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Mass

Thursday, November 21, 2024

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

272 N Rodriguez St, Nogales, AZ 85621

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Graveside Service

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Starts at 2:30 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)

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