FIERRO, John

Vining Funeral Home, Safford, Arizona John Fierro June 24, 1920 - May 28, 2013 John was born on June 24, 1920 to Emilia and Fabian Fierro in Morenci. In 1940 he graduated from Morenci High School where he excelled in athletics. He attended the National School in Los Angeles until 1942 when he was drafted into the US Army during World War II. He served as a radio operator with a tank destroyer battalion until his honorable discharge in 1945. John worked for Phelps Dodge in Morenci for 30 years. He also worked in the service department for Rietz’s Furniture in Clifton and ran his own repair business. John loved spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working in his garden. John passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, May 28, 2013, in Mesa. John and his wife Lily Saenz were married for 49 years. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Lily and infant daughter, Sophie. He is survived by: his three daughters, Lucy of Alpine, Irene Quiñonez (Sonny) of Mesa, and Pat Sandoval (Bob) of Chandler; his son, John Ray (Amy) of Mesa; his grandchildren, Stephen Quiñonez, Robert Michael and Katie Sandoval, Matthew and Meghan Fierro; and great-granddaughters, Mackenzie, Tatum, Nieko, and Marlee. John is also survived by: his sister, Delores Franco of Tucson; and sisters-in-law, Vera Irvin of Clifton and Molly Sweeney of Buckeye, who were raised by John and Lily. The family suggests donations to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, P.O. Box 938, Clifton, AZ 85533 or Americare Hospice, 1212 N. Spencer #2, Mesa, AZ 85203.