GUZMAN, Rafael Rios

The Copper Basin News Hayden, Az. - 07/21/2010 Rafael Rios Guzman, 80, was called to heaven, on July 18, 2010. Rafael was born in Mesa, Arizona, on October 22, 1929, to Simeon and Felicia Guzman. His parents passed away at a very young age, and he was sent to live with his aunt in Mexico. At age 17, he came back to the U.S., lived with Francisco and Maria Guzman, in Hayden, and worked at Giorsetti’s Grocery Store in Winkelman. At age 18, he started working for Kennecott Copper Corporation , Ray Mine Division, where he worked as a diesel electrical mechanic. Upon retiring from Kennecott, he worked for ASARCO, for another ten years, for a total of 47 years. In 1959, he married Juanita Jaurique and lived in Sonora, Arizona until 1964 and then moved their home to Kearny, where they were blessed with three children, Anna, Rose and Rafael. Rafael was an avid reader, and he exercised everyday. He volunteered his time at the Food Bank and volunteered at the Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church. He was a member of the El Sonorense Club, a member of USW Local 915, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his children, daughters, Anna (Tino) Flores, Rose (Greg) Goeller and son, Rafael (Elizabeth) Guzman; his sister, Amada; five grandchildren, Tiffanie, T.J., Matthew, Gregory, and Rafael; and four great grandchildren, Chelsea, Aydan, Brayden and Ella Jane. Rafael is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brothers. His family and friends will deeply miss him. Services will be celebrated by Father James Aboyi, on Saturday, July 24, 2010, at Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church, in Kearny, Arizona. The rosary will be held at 8:30 a.m. and the Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, in Superior, Arizona. Griffith Mortuary will be entrusted with the arrangements.