Sgt. Andres M. Telles

Sgt. Andres M. Telles (Big Andy) passed away on February 6, 2021.

He was born in Artesia, New Mexico on May 2, 1950. After the family moved to Texas, he spent his childhood years exploring the Van Horn mountains (loved the outdoors) while excelling in both football and hurdles in track & field. The family later moved to Watsonville, California where he finished high school and met the love of his life, Olga. A Military Veteran of over 24 years service in both the Marine Corp and US Army, Sgt. Telles dedicated his life to his Family, God, and the Military. Post retirement, Sgt. Telles enjoyed dancing and traveling the world (loved the Pacific) with his wife of over 46 years, after raising their two boys, Andy and Julio.

Sgt. Telles was a strong disciplinarian and coached his boy's in sports with the old school no pain/ no gain mindset, loved to read books, and listen to Little Joe. He was a legend of banter and balanced as a student of fine arts, as he loved to paint. You could always expect his yard to be creatively landscaped and in great shape. Despite his tough soldier image, he was simply a teddy bear when it came to any of his Granddaughters or his dog, Halawa. He could never say no to anything his Granddaughters or Daughters-in-law asked for and had a soft spot in his heart for his only Grandson, Nico and pecan pies, of course. Big Andy will be greatly missed by family and friends because his positive attitude and comedic (Sanford and Son) philosophical view on anything in life could always make you smile. Big Andy loved family BBQ's and was respected by everyone who got to meet him because he 'called it like it was' and was never afraid to do things his way.

He is survived by his wife: Olga; sons: Andy and Julio; daughters-in-law: Isabela and Jennifer; grandchildren: Janae, Manuela, Gabriella, Teagan, Haddie, and Nico; sisters: Lupe, Stella, and Sylvia.

Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Published in The Pajaronian · April 30, 2021