Rolando O. Fuentez, Sr.

Services will be live-streamed. To view the Vigil, please click here.  To view the Mass, please click here. 

Rolando Ornelas Fuentez, Sr., 65, a retired US Marine, was born to the late Antonio C. and Ramona O. Fuentez in Carlsbad but raised in Loving, New Mexico. He passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at his home. He has been cremated and visitation will be on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, followed by the Rosary at 6:00 pm, at the Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel, 1001 N. Canal, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 at 2:30 pm at St. Edward Catholic Church, 205 N. Guadalupe, in Carlsbad, NM 88220. Committal services will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery Committal Shelter with military honors provided by US Marine Corps. Burial will take place in the Carlsbad Veteran Memorial Cemetery.

Rolando is preceded in death by his both Parents and Grandparents, Sister and husband Carolina (Carol) F. Duran (Army Veteran – Manuel), Brothers – Enrique (Hank) O. Fuentez and Leonardo O. Fuentez. Paternal Aunt and Uncle Felipa and Lino Garcia, Maternal Uncle Marine-Frank (Pancho) D. Ornelas and wife Angela, Nieces Carla R. Duran and Linda F. Ornelas, Nephews US Marine Sergeant-Danny Lee Duran, US Marine Staff Sergeant Frank F. Ornelas Jr.

Rolando is survived by the love of his life, girlfriend then wife of 46 years, Mary Avitia-Fuentez, daughters; Chyanne Marzan (Sam) and Grandchildren – Kai, Ezra, and Ari Marzan and daughter Crystal Mae Fuentez all from Sorrento, FL. Sons – US Marine Sergeant (Retired) Rolando A. Fuentez, Jr., from Studio City, CA and Active-Duty US Marine Sergeant Timothy J. Fuentez, who just returned from his four-year term as US Marine Embassy Guard worldwide, now stationed on the east coast. Mark J. Fuentez and Son Malakai of Carlsbad, NM; Siblings – Tony O. Fuentez, Jr (Adrianne), Ricky O. Fuentez, Sr. (Elva), Gloria F. Duran (Paul), and Jose Luis Fuentez, all from Loving, NM; and Patricia O. Fuentez and Gerardo O. Fuentez (Gordie) from Lovington, NM; and Priscilla G. Fuentez (Brother Leonard’s Widow) from Hobbs, NM. Also survived by special and dear friend Retired Navy Chief – Rebecca Hill of Molino, FL and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rolando graduated from Loving Junior High in 1975 and Carlsbad Senior High School in 1978. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 7, 1978 where he served until medically discharged under honorable conditions on July 21, 1988. His MOS’s were Military Policeman, Traffic Accident Investigator, Chief Traffic Accident Investigator, Traffic Division NCOIC, USAF/USMC Join Service-Security Police/Military Police Academy Instructor, CPR Instructor Trainer, Ceremonial Team-Platoon Sergeant, and Base Commander Driver. Also was honored with Base Marine of the Month. During his enlistment period, Rolando was meritoriously promoted to each of his ranks up to the Rank of Sergeant (E-5) and received numerous awards and medals. Upon leaving active-duty service, Rolando acquired employment as a Job Training Specialist with New Mexico Human Resources Development Institute from Albuquerque, New Mexico and was assigned to the 13 eastern Counties of the State of New Mexico for 15 years. He assisted persons to get re-employed after being laid off through no fault of their own through acquired formal education/vocational training under the JTPA/WIA Program, at various community University(s) or other private educational/vocational training entities throughout the State of New Mexico.

Rolando obtained his Bachelor’s Degree Majoring in Accounting Major/Minor in Business Management from Northwood University in 2003, graduating with Summa Cum Laude Honors. He then started his new business, Consulting Services, Inc., traveling throughout the State of New Mexico. His consulting firm had a contract with the New Mexico Building and Trades Council as a compliance consultant in enforcing State of NM Labor Employment Laws-Chapter 50, jointly with the NM Department of Labor – Labor Industrial Division, Labor Law Investigators. Rolando served as the top Executive Officer and other Executive Officer positions, all receiving numerous distinguished service awards from SNMCAC Executive Board, Loving Little League, The Ervell Guevara Park Revitalization Project, Carlsbad National Little League, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Lakeside Veterans Club, The African-American Military Experience Symposium, the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall, Carlsbad BPOE #1558 (27+yrs), and was a Lifetime Member of the Marine Corps League (36+yrs) serving as National Aide de Camp, Rocky Mountain Division (2 Terms, State Commandant (Commander) – 2 Terms, Eddy County Detachment #678—Detachment Commandant (4 Terms) and State Convention Chairman (2 Terms). He received numerous Marine Corps League distinguished service medals and awards from the local, State and National Levels.

Condolences may be expressed at www.dentonwood.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the US Marine Corps Reserve -Toy for Tots National or Local Campaign. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.