Reynaldo Estrella "Veko" Baldenegro

Reynaldo Estrella "Veko" Baldenegro, 89, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, in Chandler, Arizona-the city where he was born and where his remarkable life began on March 12, 1936.

A proud native son of Chandler, Reynaldo was deeply rooted in the community's history. Born to Anna Joaquina Estrella Baldenegro and Manuel Baldenegro, Rey and his eight brothers were all raised in Chandler during its early days as a farming town. He often reminisced about those times with a quiet smile, sharing stories of running around with boxing legend Zora Folley and playing baseball with Tex Earnhardt. He also went to grade school with Eddie Basha. The Baldenegro and Estrella families are woven into the fabric of Chandler's past, remembered fondly in local history books and by generations of residents.

Rey attended grade school at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chandler, where he also worshipped faithfully throughout his life. His spirituality was a cornerstone of his identity; he took great comfort in attending Mass regularly and held a deep devotion to St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

In his younger years, Rey's talent for golf led him to San Jose, California, where the Thunderbird Golf Club recruited him to play. It was there that he moved with his beloved wife Juanita "Jenny" DeLeon Baldenegro. Together they built a life filled with love and family, raising five of their six daughters while living in San Jose before eventually returning to their Arizona roots.

Rey and Jenny shared a bond that spanned decades-a partnership grounded in friendship, devotion, and mutual care. He often said he wouldn't last long if she left first; now he waits patiently for her from above.

He is survived by his loving wife Jenny; daughters Sandra Chavez, Cynthia Valencia, Alicia Baldenegro, Julia Lopez, Veronica Baldenegro, and Margarita Delgado; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and eight brothers who shared in the legacy of the Baldenegro name.

In his later years, Rey became a cherished figure at the Chandler Senior Center. He found joy in simple pleasures-sharing free bread with friends at the center or taking the bus to the casino just to people-watch and sip complimentary sodas. A quiet observer by nature, Rey had an uncanny ability to take everything in with a gentle smile.

A devoted fan of Arizona sports teams, Rey rarely missed a Diamondbacks game on the radio and eagerly watched Suns games once they became available on regular television. He could talk for hours about stats and highlights from Arizona Sports radio broadcasts-always ready to discuss hometown heroes with anyone who would listen.

Rey's kindness touched many lives over the years. Whether through small acts like sharing bread or simply offering a warm smile during conversations about old Chandler or sports scores, he left behind a legacy of humility and warmth.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chandler on August 6, 2025.

May Reynaldo Estrella "Veko" Baldenegro's memory bring comfort to all who knew him-and may his stories continue to echo through the streets of Chandler for generations to come.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Bueler Mortuary, 14 W. Hulet Drive, Chandler, AZ 85225. Rosary begins at 7:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church 230 W. Galveston Street, Chandler, AZ 85225.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 1562 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ 85204. Bring water and an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun and heat.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 03:00 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 230 W. Galveston Street, Chandler, AZ 85225. Come celebrate the wonderful life Rey had with his family and friends.