Celestino "Tino" Flores

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.  Many would return and stop by to visit with “Coach”! 

Tino enjoyed deer hunting and fishing, where he always had a nephew or two tagging along.  He was known as the “Fun Uncle”.  Tino’s greatest pleasure was spending time with his family. A family tradition that Tino enjoyed was making tamales. He taught his children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and anyone else that would show up on “Tamale Day” to spread the masa just perfect. He eventually passed the duties on and became “Quality Control”! Anytime his grandchildren had an event of any kind, Tino was always in the front row being their biggest cheerleader and never missed an opportunity to travel to support his kids.  

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.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at Our Lady of the Light Catholic Church in La Luz, NM. Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am with Mass celebrated at 11:00 am.  

Tino requested cremation and will be laid to rest at a later date next to his son Frank. 
 
In lieu of flowers, the family request that you please make a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Alamogordo, 201 Dale Scott Ave, Alamogordo, NM in Tino’s name. 
 
The family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.

“The man on the porch at 16th and Cuba”

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