KRIKAWA, Joseph F.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ December 28, 2010 Joseph F. Krikawa, 76, of Tucson died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He battled cancer for over a year and during the lunar eclipse Dec. 20, 2010, made his final journey. Joe was born June 23, 1934, in New York City, son of Joseph and Anne (Clancy) Krikawa. He graduated from SUNY Maritime College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Engineering in 1957. Joe married his wife, Virginia (Bell), in November of that same year. His career took him many places allowing his family to live in many parts of the country. Joe retired from Unisource in 1996 and lived with Virginia in Gallup, N.M. and Tucson. He was ordained as Deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Hartford in 1978 and after moving to Arizona, continued his Deaconate service in the Diocese of Gallup. A true servant of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Joe was known for reaching out to parishes throughout the United States to assist the Diocese in raising funds for some of the poorest parish communities in the U.S. He had an insatiable love of learning, astronomy, mathematics, physics, and theology. Joe is survived by his wife of 53 years, Virginia; children: Anne Mazella (Shawn), Jeanne (Lowell Knapp), Edward (Margaret), Mary Fontes, Patricia House, John (Lisa), James, Maureen Harris (James), and Andrew (Jennifer); his daughter-in-law, Linda; 18 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his son, Thomas. Joe’s greatest joys were spending time with his family, sharing his great sense of humor, his love of Christ, and his willingness to give, bringing smiles to all who were blessed to have known him. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Diocese of Gallup (111 S. Puerco, Gallup, NM 86501), Most Holy Trinity Building Fund (1300 N. Greasewood Road, Tucson, AZ 85745), or a charity of your choice.