Note: The family has requested financial assistance with the cost of the funeral and final affairs. Donations may be sent to a fund established by the Diocese (100% for the family). Checks may be sent to PO Box 1338, Gallup, NM 87305, made payable to “Diocese of Gallup” with memo “For Deacon Valdo Funeral.” An online alternative to donate is available on the Diocese Website or through this link: https://dioceseofgallup.
Funeral Services for Deacon Lawrence (Larry) Valdo
Rosary: Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 5:00 PM at St. Anne Church, Acomita, NM
Funeral: Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 10:00 AM at St. Anne Church, Acomita, NM. Bishop James Wall will preside.
Deacon Lawrence (Larry) J. Valdo, a devoted Catholic and family man passed away at his home in Acomita, NM on January 13, 2025. He was born to Sarah and Julio Valdo (both deceased) on November 30, 1937. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Shane Jaramillo.
Upon graduation from Grants High School in 1957, he started his career in the health field at the Bernalillo County Medical Hospital as Admitting Clerk and attended St. Joseph College on the Rio Grande as a part time student, eventually receiving his Bachelor of Science degree. He was employed as a Lab Technician with Lovelace Hospital and later served in a similar position with the Department of Indian Health Services, Shiprock, New Mexico.
Valdo entered the military service in the US Army Reserve Unit. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to school for his master’s degree in Hospital Administration. He worked as a Physicians Assistant at the Gallup Indian Hospital, transferring to the newly opened Acoma, Canoncito, Laguna Hospital on the Acoma Reservation where he retired at the age of 70.
He became active and performed voluntary work with numerous Catholic organizations and ministry. He answered his calling and entered the Diaconate Training Program. Upon completion, he was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Gallup on September 13, 2003, in Grants, New Mexico.
Deacon Larry is survived by his son, Jeffrey; daughter Gaylene Ortiz; his brother Mike and his wife Cindy; sister Dale Sanchez; nephew David; nieces Veronica, Camille, Sarah and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relations.
Rosary and funeral service will be Tuesday, January 21, at 5pm at St. Anne Church, Acomita and funeral mass will be Wednesday, January 22, 10am. Interment will follow at Mount of Peace, McCartys. Most Reverend James Wall, Bishop of the Diocese of Gallup will preside.
Funeral arrangements by Mt. Taylor Funerals, 120 N. 3rd Street, Grants, NM 505- 287-5511.