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Norman L Hancock
01/19/1930 - 12/27/2021

Norman L Hancock died of natural causes in Mesa, Arizona on December 27, 2021. He was 91 years old.

Norman was born to Lawrence and Lela Hancock in Bryce, Arizona, on January 19, 1930. Norman grew up on a cotton farm and cattle ranch. He had two brothers, Ray and Von and three sisters, Lavora (Foster), Alice (Ford) and Linda (Boren). His parents raised cattle, hogs, and chickens. Like many children born during the Great Depression, Norman’s family worked hard and lived frugally. He would turn ten years old before his childhood home had running water and sixteen years old before it had electricity. Every Saturday, his mother would cook a pot of pinto beans and homemade bread, a tradition that Norman’s wife Muriel would continue throughout their marriage.

Norman was the valedictorian of his 8th grade class at Bryce (out of a class of ten, he would sometimes admit). He attended Pima High School, where he played center on the football team. Norman was a natural born entrepreneur. During high school, Norman peddled chicken eggs to the mining towns of Clifton, Morenci, and Superior and was able to save up enough money to buy a brand new 1947 red Ford pickup.

Norman was the first in the Hancock family line to graduate from college. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business in 1952 from Brigham Young University, in Provo Utah. In the early 60’s he earned his Masters Degree from ASU.  While Norman was taking classes at BYU, he met his lifelong sweetheart Muriel Miller, a beautiful, talented, kind, Idaho girl. Norman and his friends met up with some girls and  “borrowed” apples from an apple orchard.  They went back to the girl’s apartment to bake apple pie, where Norman saw Muriel, the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.  After a short courtship Norman and Muriel were married on December 21, 1951 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  Norman always said marrying her was the best decision of his life. He was broken hearted when Muriel passed away on June 25, 2010. They were married 58 years.

Norman held a deep love of agriculture as a result of his family bonds he developed working on the cotton farm in Lizard Bump, Arizona. When he was 28 years old, Norman decided to expand his farming experience by purchasing a farm in Yuma, Arizona, where he farmed lettuce for two years. He subsequently earned a teaching certificate and moved to Mesa, Arizona to find better prospects for his family.

Norman taught for more than 25 years as a public school teacher at Jefferson, Edison, Whittier, and Longfellow Elementary Schools in Mesa, Arizona. He touched many lives and was a wonderful beloved teacher.  Norman later retired from teaching. He had a brilliant business mind, with his sons he started an arcade game business, he also ran a successful real estate and investment business in Arizona.

Norman was involved in agriculture throughout his life. After moving to mesa, Norman and his brother Von together ran the family farm in Lizard Bump. Norman spent his summer vacations from school working on the farm. Together, they expanded the farm by purchasing additional land near Fort Thomas, Arizona. Always ambitious, Norman, Von and a few other partners developed the largest Pima cotton farm in the world at Salome, Arizona.  Norman later acquired other farms in North Dakota and South Dakota.

In 1965, Norman took a teaching sabbatical, going to the outback in Kununurra, Australia with his Uncle Max Lamoreaux. They lived under a tree for six months. They took advantage of the Ord River Project, a homesteading type arrangement for qualified farmers. Norman’s cotton farming experience was important – they were required to clear the land and put in a crop. While Norman was away, Muriel held down the fort, gave birth to their youngest son John and cared for home and family. The family would eagerly check the mail each day waiting for his letters. Norman ultimately decided there was no place he would rather live than Mesa, Arizona, so he and Muriel decided to stay in Mesa and rent out his share of the farm. He retained a lifelong love of Australia and visited many times and provided opportunities for many of his posterity to visit as well. He cultivated a love for Australia and all things Australian in his family.  Tales of Norman’s Australian adventures were legendary with his students and grandchildren. Norman never sold the Australian farm.

The joy of Norman’s life was his wife Muriel, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Norman and Muriel have six children – Lynn Hancock and his wife Dee, Jan (Hancock) McBride and her husband Bruce, LeNell (Hancock) Heywood and her husband Bruce, Annette (Hancock) Thompson and her husband Pete, JoAn (Hancock) Finter and her husband Alex, and John Hancock – twenty-six grandchildren, and forty-seven great-grandchildren. Norman was a charismatic, witty, and loving grandpa. Norman made each grandkid feel as if they were Norman’s favorite, and “grandma and grandpa’s house” was everyone’s favorite gathering spot. Each of Norman’s grandchildren has their own special memory of Grandpa – Sets and Runs card games, cousin sleepovers, Denny’s breakfasts, surprise allowances, summer reunions, phone calls and texts, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve parties, funny stories, and unquestionable support.

Services are pending.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Gary Finley Fire
12/06/1941 - 12/28/2021

Gary Finley Fire was born on the 6th of December in 1941 on The Crow Creek Indian Reservation in Fort Thompson, SD to Spencer Louis Fire and Ethel Marion Hislaw (Edwards). Gary lived 80 years of a most adventurous and joyful life especially in his childhood where he would ride horses bareback across the plains with his only beloved brother, catch cats by their tails or snatch a chicken for his precious mother for dinner. As Gary grew older, he enlisted in the United States Army where he would serve proudly with his brother. From there he would start a family and eventually be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and serve diligently for nearly 47 years in several callings that would help nurture him into a faithful servant of the Lord and become the man we knew and respected. He esteemed His Lord and Savior and the work he knew would be required of him. Gary was very accomplished in anything he did and would dedicate his time and energy to working hard while serving others along the way. He would remarry and humbly provide for his growing family anyway he could and continue to work diligently over the course of his life. He had a love for woodworking, taught and played pool with his grandchildren and golfed when he had the chance. His greatest accomplishment in life was having a family and to have friends whom he loved more than his heart could hold. Gary was full of magnetic charm and made every day a “happy day” to ensure everyone felt loved that he ever came into contact with and left them leaving with a laugh and a smile. He was loyal to a fault and was a respecter of his family history and the stories he would tell about his ancestors would somehow touch your heart as if you knew them.

Gary lovingly and peacefully passed on to the other side of the veil on the 28th of December, 2021 to greet his loved ones whom we are sure welcomed him with buoyant open arms. He was cared for through laughter, love, scripture and song by his loving wife, children and grandchildren whom were by his side until the moment he passed. Gary is cherished by his wife Sunni Fire of 35 years, their 10 children, Holly Fire Meade, Lisa Wormell Tate, Vicki Wormell MacLay, Teresa Wormell Wagenhals, Spencer Fire, John Wormell, John Fire, Nancy Fire Tu’ivai, David Wormell, Michael Wormell and their spouses. Absolutely adored his 30 grandchildren, had 9.5 Great Grandchildren as well as the many beloved and loyal friends whom he adored. His loyal dog Tito will miss him tremendously.

For those who would like to attend Gary’s funeral services or send love and pay respects to the family, the services will be as follows: Saturday the 8th of January, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2715 E. Ocotillo Road, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140, the funeral services will begin at 10am with an open visitation to all who knew Gary, followed with the commemorative celebration of Gary’s life at 11am. The funeral procession will directly follow and the graveside service will begin at 1pm at San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms 22425 E. Cloud Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

A tremendous thank you to those who have sent their sympathies, condolences and prayers to Gary and his family, they have all been felt and truly treasured. We are blessed with the in home care nurses and www.bunkerfuneral.com for the assurance and care for our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, relative, friend and acquaintance.

The Gary Fire Family

 

 

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Richard Eugene Lee
06/02/1936 - 12/29/2021

In the early morning hours of December 29, 2021, the world lost the luster of an honorable man. Richard (Dick) Eugene Lee quietly passed away holding hands with his sweetheart of sixty-six years. Through the Christmas holiday and on the evening of his passing, he had the blessing of visiting with his children and many of his grandchildren.

Dick was born the youngest of four children on June 2, 1936, in Long Pine Nebraska to Willis Earl Lee and Grace Briggs Lee. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Scotts Bluff, Nebraska. At thirteen, because of his father’s health, the family established their home in Mesa, Arizona. Dick graduated from Mesa High School and began his studies at Arizona State University, graduating in June, 1961.  He completed several graduate courses in geography as well as architectural design.

Dick married Sandra Lyn Hall on September 26, 1955. He is survived by his eternal companion and four children: Jaci Lyn (Dave Nielson), Joni Kay (Dennis Neuenschwander), Timothy Shane, and Jeffrey Troy, as well as five grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Following his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dick and Sandra were sealed in the Mesa Arizona temple on June 9, 1961. Throughout his life, Dick was a devoted disciple, fulfilling numerous callings in the Church, including service in bishoprics and stake presidencies. He and Sandra also fulfilled an extended senior missionary assignment in the Gunnison Utah prison.

A proud United States Air Force veteran, Dick flew military transports. During his six years of service (1961-1967), he received the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He completed his service with the rank of captain. Following his discharge, he flew for United Air Lines until his retirement in 1985.

Dick thirsted for knowledge. He was an avid researcher and reader, always learning. If he didn’t know how to do something, he simply bought a book and figured it out. He used this gift to renovate a dilapidated hundred- and ten-year-old house in Salina, Utah. He was an avid genealogist, compiling many generations of his family. Following retirement, he and Sandra toured the country in their fifth wheel to complete his research.

Above all, Dick was a family man. He was deeply devoted to his wife and family. He was immensely proud of his children and their accomplishments. His righteous influence will be felt through succeeding generations of his posterity. His life was an example of commitment and steadfastness to his faith and to the eternal principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Grave side services with military honors will be held at two p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, in the Mesa City Cemetery.

 

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Flo Fayleen Smith
01/22/1928 - 12/12/2021

Flo Fayleen Smith, 93 passed away peacefully on December 12, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. Her final resting place is Heritage Memorial Park Cemetery in Dewey, Arizona.

 

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Donna Mae Harper
01/15/1955 - 12/22/2021

Donna Mae Harper, born Jan. 15, 1955, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Dec. 22, 2021. She was born to Orvil and Luella Jolley and raised in Holbrook, AZ. She lived her life serving her family, friends and the youth and women of her LDS church group. She always had an excuse to go shopping or go to lunch with friends or family, and she never let a cruise ship leave the dock without her. She loved to give to others and was a wonderful seamstress. The quilts she made her children and grandchildren will be cherished. They were made with such love and detail. Her and her loving husband, Derwin, spent the last few years of her life traveling together on the road and abroad spending special time together with family and friends. Donna loved to laugh and left a lasting impression on countless people who will cherish their memories with her. Left to carry on her traditions, are her husband Derwin Harper, her children Lisa (Paul) Miller, Ryan (Melissa) Harper, Jami (Mark) Baker, Kara (Ryan) Gardner, and Cody (Rachel) Harper. Her legacy will be continued through her 23 grandchildren, her greatest treasures. Donna Mae will be truly missed.

Funeral services are Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., preceded by a visitation at 9:00 a.m., at the LDS church building on 2220 N. Harris Dr., Mesa, AZ. 85203. For more information go to www.bunkerfuneral.com.

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Roberta Parker
06/13/1945 - 12/24/2021

Roberta Ann Parker, 76, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2021 in Gilbert, Arizona.

Roberta was born on June 13, 1945 in Dexter, Iowa. She was the third child born to Charles Seton Young and Mary Francis Fox. Her family moved to Arizona in 1949.

Roberta had a happy childhood filled with family and friends. She was involved in plays, National Honor Society, Pep Club and had fun going to football games and dating. She graduated from Buckeye Union High School as the valedictorian in 1963.

After graduation she began nursing school at the Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing. While in nursing school Roberta was set up on a blind date with David Parker. They were married on August 6, 1965 in Scottsdale, AZ. A few months after their marriage Roberta decided to learn about the church her husband belonged to. She felt it was important that husband and wife be the same religion. In December of 1965 Roberta was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by her husband. On February 7, 1973 David and Roberta were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple.

Being a wife, mother and grandmother were Roberta’s greatest joys. She was blessed with seven children. As her children got older she felt it was important to gather weekly for Sunday dinner to keep relationships strong.

Roberta loved to serve in the church. The calling she held the longest was that of primary chorister. She was able to share her love of music and Jesus Christ with many children.

Roberta loved to learn and would read books or take college classes to learn new things. A skill that she mastered was that of crochet. She made beautiful afghans. When her grandchildren are wrapped in an afghan, they are wrapped in Grandma’s love.

Roberta is survived by her husband of 56 years, David Parker, of Mesa, AZ; her children Pamela Eileen Parker of Mesa, AZ; Matthew David Parker of Mesa, AZ; Laurel “Lauri” Elizabeth (Jack) Erekson of Lund, NV; Nicole Lynn Riggs of San Tan Valley, AZ; Deborah Diane Parker of Mesa, AZ; Tara Marie Parker of Mesa, AZ; Leah Celeste (Sean) Mecham of San Tan Valley, AZ. Eighteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren plus two more on the way. Sister, Marjorie Jean Duncan; brother, Richard “Dick” Charles Young.

Roberta was proceeded in death by her parents, Charles Seton and Mary Francis (Fox) Young; brother, Michael Robert Young; brother-in-law, Richard Blaine Duncan; grandson, Samuel Jacob Erekson.

 Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Traci Danielle Yost
06/16/1981 - 12/18/2021

Traci Danielle Yost passed away at home in Gilbert, AZ on December 18th, 2021.  She is survived by her 5 children.  Sons Payden 20, twin boys Brockton and Leighton 18, daughters Brightlyn 13 and Brielle 10. parents Bob and Cindy Yost, sister Bobbi and brothers Dustin, Codey and Kaleb Yost.

Traci enjoyed sewing, cooking, piano, dancing along with hair and makeup.  But above all she loved being a mother to her 5 beautiful children.

Services will be held Wednesday December 29th, 2021 at 10:00am, at the Double Tree San Tan Elegante conference center in Gilbert. The address is 1800 S. SanTan Village Pkwy, Gilbert, AZ. 85295

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
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George Cyrus Knowlton II
05/01/1942 - 12/15/2021

George Cyrus Knowlton, II, age 79.5 of Mesa, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on December 15, 2021. He is survived by his children, Tracie Steller, Anna Baum and George Knowlton III; grandchildren, Justin LaPolla (Sophie) and Cassandra Housmyer (Elijah), Renee Steller and Taylor Knowlton; great grandchildren, Ellison (8), Braelynn (6), Evelyn (4), Zoey (3) and Luke (11 months); sisters, Alita Arnold and Pamela Schultz; nieces and nephews, Tammie Ventura (Ken), Carrie Ragsdale (Daryl), Sally Schultz, Robert Schultz (Amber); Linda Nejati (Olmsted), lifelong friend and mother of his children. Preceding him in death was his father, Cyrus Knowlton and mother, Lorraine Koehly; paternal grandparents, George and Eva Knowlton from Massachusetts and maternal grandparents, John and Rosa Koehly, from Switzerland.

George was born on May 1, 1942, in Los Angeles, California to Cyrus and Lorraine (Koehly) Knowlton. Growing up on the Koehly Homestead in Lucerne Valley, George, being the only son in the family, at just three years old, was charged with caring for his mom and sisters and solving all problems big and small (as much as a three-year-old could) while his dad Cy was serving in the Navy as a radio operator on a ship during World War II. When Cy returned home, he worked for Hughes Aircraft in Culver City, California, leaving “Georgie Porgie” in charge at the ranch. Ranch life taught him how to be industrious, passionate, hardworking, loving and understanding of life’s curve balls, not to mention the many uses of bailing wire (Who knew you could actually “sew” two buildings together with it to make a bigger house). He even learned how to drive on the ranch at seven years old. He carried his responsibility for being the “man of the house” into his adult years, always acutely aware of the challenges of those around him whether it was his children, sisters, mother of his children, friends and even the mailmen and employees of the establishments he frequented. Throughout his life, he worked for Standard Oil Company, the United States Post Office, owned two Chevron gas stations, became a real estate broker, managed a variety of retail establishments, until finally settling into his last and most rewarding job as a roadside assistant for

the Arizona Department of Public safety. Growing up on the Koehly Homestead in Lucerne Valley, he learned all he needed to know about farming, fishing, camping, livestock, cars, construction, girls, life struggles and love. His mom and paternal grandmother were teachers who taught him the benefit of knowing United States history. His father fostered his entrepreneurial spirit and his maternal great-grandmother, an immigrant from Switzerland and the first Post Mistress in Lucerne Valley, taught him to stand firmly for what he believed in, have pride in being an American and to stay politically involved. He never knew a stranger and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix to make people’s lives better.

He loved his family and friends fiercely and deeply, and we take comfort in knowing that our dad is now at peace, surrounded by light.

Family and friends will be able to join us in celebrating his life after the first of the year, in 2022.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Doris J. Sheldon
10/08/1932 - 12/21/2021

Doris J. Sheldon, 89, passed away on December 21, 2021 at her home in Mesa, Arizona. She was young at heart and cared deeply for her family. Doris retired at the young age of 77 from Desert Oncology and after retirement kept busy volunteering at the Chandler Senior Center.

As a child her family moved to Mesa from Cameron, Oklahoma when she was about two years old. Her parents were James T. Posey and Birtha F. Posey (Wilcox) who preceded her in death along with 4 sisters and 3 brothers.

Sherman R. Sheldon was the love of her life and they were married 56 years until his death in 2006. They adopted two children Kurtis and Laura whom they raised as their own. It was not uncommon to find them visiting relatives during the summer to camp, water ski, or just have quality time together.

She is survived by her daughter Laura Sheldon and four grandchildren Brandon Sheldon; Candace Popa and her husband Marian; Kendra Tucker and her husband David; and Michael Sheldon-Manning. She also has 9 great-grandchildren Treyton, Garrett, Layla, Loralie, Ginevra, Norah, Isaiah, Felicity, and Abigail.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, December 28th at Bunker Chapel from 10:30 to 12:30 followed by a graveside service at the Mesa Cemetery at 1 pm.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Alexander A. Hristov
08/19/1990 - 12/17/2021

 

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Theo J. Heap
10/10/1926 - 12/12/2021

 

Live Stream Link To View Service: http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/mesaazhvstake

Theo J Heap, 95, passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona on Sunday, December 12, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Theo was a great historian and completed his own personal history entitled, “The Life and Times of Theo J Heap” in which he wrote of his four loves. His first love was his immediate family consisting of his beautiful wife, Gloria, his four children and grandchildren. His Second love was the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His Third love was Public Service, and his fourth love was the love he had for the United States of America.

Theo was born in St. Johns, Arizona on October 10, 1926, 2nd of 6 children born to Leona Wilkins and Parley J Heap. His parents and grandparents were ranchers and farmers, which provided a setting for a young boy to learn hard work and develop characteristics that would prepare him to become a successful husband, father, grandfather, educator, and disciple of Jesus Christ throughout his life.  During WWII, Theo served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Italy.  Following his military service, Theo attended ASU where he played Basketball and met the love of his life, Gloria Davis.

Theo and Gloria were married May 24, 1950. After receiving his degrees in Education from Arizona State College, he taught school in St. Johns AZ, Scottsdale High School and Coronado High School.  His first love was coaching basketball and other sports. After his early teaching experience  he was hired at Mesa Community College to serve as Dean of Students and Athletic Director. He then became the President of Mesa Community College. He loved working one on one with the students and helping them receive their college education.

His leadership and love for athletics provided opportunities for him to serve as President of the National Junior College Athletic Association for twenty years.  That opportunity lead for him to serve on the United States Olympic Committee for 28 years.  He served on the Olympic committee as the Chairman of the education committee and the World University Games committee.

He served in many capacities in his community and in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served as Elders Quorum President, Bishop of the Alma 8th Ward, High Council, Stake Young Men’s President, Stake Mission President, faithful home teacher along with many other civic positions. A member of the Mesa Baseline Rotary Club and Rotary International, and served on the NCAA Football and Basketball Rules committees and the National High School Federation Rules Committees.

Theo is preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Martinsen and his granddaughters’ Nora Johnson and Holly Heap.

Theo is survived by his eternal companion Gloria; married children; Ralph (Denise), Bob (Deena), (son-in-law Rick Martinsen and wife Amy), Ted (Sheila), 20 grandchildren and 55 great grandchildren. Theo is also survived by his sister LaKay Grant (Joey) and many extended family members.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Larry Allen Brown
05/20/1951 - 12/17/2021

Larry Allen Brown left this world in a hurry December 17, 2021. He battled various medical issues for years and with each terminal diagnosis he prevailed and bravely continued on. He had been saying for years “all I want is one day pain free” so he saw his chance, took it and he took it head on, like he had always lived his life.

Born in Tucson, AZ, he learned to work hard at a very young age and accomplished many things including becoming an eagle scout. He loved his faith, set a wonderful example for all, and knew God was at his side for life. He served an honorable LDS mission in Western New York where he met the love of his life Kelli, who he married in the Mesa Arizona temple. They raised 4 amazing children and have 7 fabulous grandchildren, who he adored to infinity.

He was very talented and built custom luxury homes and sprawling luxury horse facilities. After 9/11, he switched careers and became a manager for TSA at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport which was probably his most satisfying job. He loved people and would talk to everyone he met asking them about their travels. He was a natural born leader, often taking charge, giving orders and advocating for his team. As a result, his team members would seek out his advice and guidance.

He loved to travel, saw a lot of the world and showered his family with incredible gifts from abroad. Nobody was better at haggling, especially for cars, and he excelled at getting his meals comped and back seat driving.

There will be a celebration of life for Larry on January 15, 2021 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 20637 E San Tan Blvd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142. Attendees can come and go as they want during that time. The family is eager to see all those who knew and loved Larry. He has been cremated and will be taken to an exotic locale and left there by his immediate family – lucky guy!

In lieu of flowers, Larry would love it if you donated to your favorite charity.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

 

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Theresa Rickwalder
07/17/1924 - 12/18/2021

Theresa Rickwalder, 97, of Mesa Arizona passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Hospice of the Valley Friendship Village in Tempe Arizona.  Known to friends and family as “Terry” she led a very happy, active life filled with family, friends, laughter and love.  During WWII she worked in an Army Air Corp Armory and was proud of her contribution to the war effort.  She married her true love, Joseph (Ricky) in 1945 and they were blessed to share 72 wonderful years together.  Theresa worked for Gibson Associates as a Quality Control Inspector. but the job she was most proud of was being a wife and mother.  Retiring in 1980, she and Ricky relocated to Citrus Gardens in Mesa, Arizona, where she was able to pursue new passions.  Over the years she coordinated the bingo, led morning exercises, played on pool and bowling leagues, assisted with Saturday morning coffee klatch and took up golf.  She could be seen daily riding her bicycle around the complex waving to friends.  Her friends and family describe her as an independent, strong woman who was a fantastic mother to her beloved children.  Her feisty and quick wit, along with her tenacity and strength, will be remembered by all.  

Preceding Theresa in death were her parents and siblings, as well as her beloved husband Ricky and her children Richard, Jean Marie, Theresa, Marian, and Elizabeth Ann; Grandson, Paul Joseph and great grandson Hayden.   

Surviving are her children Diane Occimio (Donald), Joseph Rickwalder (Susan), and Regina Duffy (Philip); grandchildren Bernie, Dawn, Darlene, Kimberly, Christopher and Glenn; Great grandchildren Kaitlyn, Cincere, Taylor, Morgan, Caitlin, Allyson, Natalie, and great-great granddaughters Addison and Paisley. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 29, at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N. Recker Road, Mesa Az. Internment will take place at 12:30 am at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1562 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, Arizona. In honoring her great love of children, in lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee would be appreciated. 

 

 

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Maria Del Carmen Miranda
10/15/1955 - 12/15/2021

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Maria Miranda on December 15th, 2021 in San Tan Valley, Arizona at the young age of 66.

Maria was born and raised in Bronx, NY. She was the oldest of 6 children born to Juan and Victoria. She married in 1978 and had 3 daughters and later moved to Gilbert, AZ in 1988. Before her retirement, Maria spent the last several years as a childcare provider where she was known for her compassion and dedication. Maria will be remembered as a loving mother. She treasured her daughters and embraced every moment with them. She especially enjoyed her role as Gigi (grandma).

She is survived by her daughters Melissa (husband Josh), Kathy (husband Christopher), and Stacy (fiancé Austin). She had 7 grandchildren Anthony, Christopher Jr., Brianna, Brayden, Brandon, Ally, Ariana, as well as one great grandchild Julian. She is also survived by her former husband John, sister Lucy and brothers Juan, George, and Victor. Preceded by brother Santiago.

A private celebration of life gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date.

 

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Donna Lee Burgess
02/23/1940 - 12/15/2021

 

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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Vincent J. Galgano
10/9/1918 - 12/16/2021

Vincent J. Galgano,103, a WWII Veteran, passed away peacefully on Dec. 16, 2021 in Mesa, AZ.

He was born on Oct. 9 1918 in Brooklyn, NY.

He lived a very full life, seeing so many innovative changes.

He was a Jack of all trades, whether working for an electrical company, carpentry, communication lines, New York transit buses ,worked on many different engines as a mechanic for diesels, jeeps, tanks. He was a Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Army in charge of training men on motor convoys, various guns, weapons and ammunition and to protect themselves from
harm when they went overseas. He retired from the U.S. Post Office over 55 years.

He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, American Legion, and 4th rank Sir Knight of the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carmela Galgano our mother of 68 years and his son Anthony Galgano. He is survived by his 3 children, 7 grandkids, 8 great grandkids. He was a loving and giving father and grandfather, who will be missed greatly.

We express our love, gratitude and happiness that he was able to be with us for this long. Burial at the National Memorial Cemetery of AZ. , 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85024. On Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

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