PERALTA, Bernard

Peralta, Bernard Bernard Peralta, 82, of Phoenix, passed away November 26, 2003. He was born in El Paso, Texas, November 26, 1921. His parents moved to central Phoenix shortly thereafter where he was raised. He was the first graduate of St. Mary's High School (Men's). He enlisted in the Navy in World War II as a welder. After the war he lived in Bavispe, Sonora, Mexico where he started businesses in land, cattle, and farming. He met his wife Elisa there, married, and came back to Phoenix. In Phoenix, he managed Chili Spice Packing business and Trailer Park. To his children, he insisted that they go to church, brush their teeth and do their homework. He emphasized spiritual principles and higher education to his children. He always encouraged his wife in her Godly duties as a good housewife. He attended Mass weekly thourhgout his life, and was always a good defender of the Catholic Faith. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Usher at Immaculate Heart Church in Phoenix. During his retirement years he was known in the neighborhood as being friendly and verbally eccentric. He became too weak to attend church, however he enjoyed reading Catholic literature-Bible, Theological books and discussing Jesus Christ. Bernard is survived by his wife Elisa; children, Maria Gudalupe, Augustin, Michael, Bernard Salvador, Paul, Rita, Joseph, Luis and 5 grandchildren. Visitation 6-8pm, Rosary at 7pm on Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 400 N. 30th St., Phoenix. Funeral Mass at 9:30am, Wednesday, December 3, 2003 at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 400 N. 30th St., Phoenix. Services entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Arcadia Funeral Home. Published in the Arizona Republic on 12/2/2003.