NUNEZ, JR., Gabriel Joaquin

Gabriel Joaquin Nunez Jr., 70, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2007, in Mesa. Gabriel was born Oct. 12, 1936, in Morenci to Gabriel J. Nunez Sr. and Patricinio Mendoza. Friends knew Gabriel as "Mike" or "Pepe." He served his country proudly in the United States Air Force. Mike learned his sheet metal trade as he worked at Phelps Dodge in Morenci. He later worked in the Phoenix area and in Hawaii. He returned to retire in Safford, where he was honored to serve in the Honor Guard for the American Legion Post No. 95. Survivors include daughters, Mary (Marty) Smith of Mesa and Catherine Nunez of Mesa; son, Gabriel M. (Thais) Nunez of Tucson; grandsons, Gabriel M. Nunez Jr., WI and John M. Nunez of Tucson; brother, Arthudo Mendoza of Gilbert; sisters, Nellie Garcia of Clifton and Loretta Chisem of Thatcher. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Olympia Bacon. A memorial service was Thursday, June 14, 2007, at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 311 South Central Ave., with burial Friday, June 22, at the VA National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix. Eastern Arizona Courier 2007/06/12/