Al Sandoval, Korean War Veteran and Brother to Hero William Sandoval has Died

Al Sandoval (1931-2012)

In March 2012 we joined a group gathered at a string of tables at Porkie's in Silvis, Illinois.  Among them was Al Sandoval, the brother of hero William Sandoval.

A number of people were not able to make the meeting that night.  But we knew, as we left the restaurant, this would be our next documentary project. 

Al shared a few stories with us and encouraged us to make the documentary.  Most memorable to us that night was a long poem he recited in Spanish with emotion and pride.  He also translated each passage of the poem in English.  He made an impression on us and we looked forward to talking with him on-camera for the film project.

Sadly, we received word that Al passed away on August 27, 2012 after battling cancer.  We regret not getting to meet with him again and listen to his stories and thoughts, and hear that beautiful poem recited for the film.  We know that Al lives on in the memories of his loved ones, his friends and those whose lives he touched.  We count ourselves very fortunate to have met him, even if for a brief while.

Tammy & Kelly Rundle
Producers
Hero Street ~ A Documentary Film

 

Obituary

Alfonse "Al" Sandoval was born November 13, 1931 in Silvis, Illinois, the son of Joseph and Carmen Morales Sandoval.  He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.

He married Emma Valdes June 21, 1958 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Silvis. He retired from International Harvester of East Moline after 30 years of service.

Mr. Sandoval, 80, died Monday, August 27, 2012, at Trinity Rock Island and funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 30th at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Colona, Illinois.  Entombment will be in St. Mary's Mausoleum in East Moline, Illinois.   Visitation will be 4:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 29 at the Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd. in East Moline.  A rosary will be recited at 7:45 p.m.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Emma Sandoval; daughters, Elizabeth (Kim) Segura and Melinda (Daniel) Hyczewski; sons, Rene (Suzi) Sandoval and Paul (JoAnn) Sandoval; grandchildren, Brandon, Brian, and Stefanie Sandoval, Bronson and Austin Segura, and Nicole Hyczewski; great-grandson, Jaz Segura; sisters, Rufina Guerrero and Mary (Phil) Garza; brothers, Ruben Sandoval, Harry Sandoval, Oscar (Sally) Sandoval, Charlie (Ruby) Sandoval, Joe “Moe” (Rita) Sandoval, and Fred (Pauline) Sandoval.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Val Garcia, and brother, William Sandoval.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com.  Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church. 

Comments

[Lisa Sandoval-Segura]

What a nice surprise to see my dad on your blog. I'm glad you got to meet him. He and many others that grew up on Hero Street are very passionate about the young men that fought unselfishly for our country in the wars. Has the film been released yet? I have bookmarked this link to visit it in the near future. Thank you for telling their story and thank you for the kind words about my dad.