Memorial services set for Domenici
Memorial services have been set for former U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, a political heavyweight who died Wednesday at age 85.
Domenici, the son of Italian immigrants who became the longest-serving senator in New Mexico history, passed away after suffering setbacks from abdominal surgery.
Tributes from elected officials around New Mexico and the nation have poured in since Domenici’s death, including plaudits from former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
While mourning Domenici’s death, his family has also said they want to celebrate the former senator’s life and have highlighted his love for New Mexico.
A public celebration of Domenici’s life
will be held at Isotopes Park at 3 p.m. Saturday.
A viewing and rosary will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Albuquerque, with a Mass of Christian burial set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the same location.
Meanwhile, Gov. Susana Martinez on Thursday ordered that flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise today through sunset on Saturday.
“Sen. Domenici dedicated his entire career to putting New Mexico first,” Martinez said in her executive order, while praising Domenici’s work advocating for the state’s national laboratories, military bases and universities.
Domenici served six terms in the Senate — from 1973 through 2008 — and was chairman of both the Senate Committee on the Budget and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources during his time on Capitol Hill.
The longtime senator, who was given the nickname “St. Pete” for his ability to help the state, had moved back to Albuquerque from Washington, D.C., last year.