- Date Of Birth: April 6, 1937
- Date Of Death: November 19, 2022
- State: New Mexico
Celestino “Tino” Flores, 85, passed away suddenly at his home in Alamogordo, NM on November 19, 2022. He was born on April 6, 1937, in Alamogordo to Ramon and Euforcina Nogales Flores.
Tino was raised in Cloudcroft, NM. As a youth, you could always find Tino with a basketball in his hand or caddying at the Cloudcroft Lodge. In high school he was known as “Mr. Hoops”. He was an outstanding basketball player and well known for his basketball talent in the community. Tino graduated from Cloudcroft High School in 1955, class of 12. He attended Western NM University in Silver City, NM on a basketball scholarship. After a couple of years, Tino returned to Alamogordo working odd jobs until he met his wife of 62 years, Helen Garcia. He met Helen while she was working at Sierra Movie Theater. He swept Helen off her feet with his soft smile and beautiful dimples. Tino and Helen married in May of 1960 and started their family.
Tino worked for many years at Holloman AFB until he retired. He was involved with the NFFE Union, where he severed on the board. As a member of the union, his door was always open “how can I help you”! While raising their family, Tino became involved with the Boy’s Club (before girls were allowed) coaching basketball. Not only did he mentor his boys into good ball players, he made a huge impact on other boys in the community.
Tino enjoyed deer hunting and fishing, where he always had a nephew or two tagging along. He was known as the “Fun Uncle”.
Tino is survived by his wife, a very kind, patient wonderful lady, Helen Garcia Flores; his children, Matthew Flores, Theresa and Park Snyder of Alamogordo, NM, Margret and David Burton of Las Cruces, NM, Joseph and Shelly Flores of Reno, NV; grandchildren, Stephanie and Eugene Hanway, Ryan and Hailey Flores, Brandi Flores, Dustin and Samantha Flores, Cody and Lauren Snyder, Cortney and Matthew Leal, Brandon Burton, Casey and Matthew Pudimott, Eric and Alexis Burton, Christopher Flores, and Heather Larson; great grandchildren, Madisen and Nash Flores, Beau Flores, Julieanna and Carson Leal, Charlie Wayne Burton, and Baby Snyder (May 2023). Tino is also survived by his brothers, Raymond and Juan Flores; many brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
Tino was preceded in death by his son, Frank “Pancho” Flores; his parents; his sister and brother; and sisters-in law.
“The man on the porch at 16th and Cuba”
