ALEGRIA, John Gregory

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, October 28, 2015 John Gregory Alegria, passed away peacefully at 96, on Oct. 21, 2015, in Congress. John was born Nov. 17, 1918, in Phoenix to Sotero and Juanita (Amarillas) Alegria. He was the fourth of six children. John spent the beginning of his childhood in Los Angeles, Calif., where he met the love of his life, Mary (Montoya) Alegria. He met her while she worked at an Orange Julius Stand. After a relentless pursuit, Grandma Mary said it took him more than a few attempts to finally agree to a breakfast date with him. They married while living in Redondo Beach, Calif., where John was employed by Standard Oil Company. In 1961 the couple, as well as their son, John, moved to Wickenburg to take over running the family ranch that had been handed down to them, which was located up the Hassayampa River. John enjoyed panning for gold in his free time and landscaping. The couple were caretakers for many Wickenburg ranches. When Mary became ill, and the harshness of the desert became too much for the family they found themselves finally residing in Congress. For those of you who did not know Grandpa, you sure did miss out. He was one of the most happy-go-lucky men there was. Always had a smile on his face and made sure everyone around him did too. He may not have been financially successful his whole life, but the greatest success he had was his family. It doesn’t get better than that. He will be more than missed, and will always be in our hearts. Never will his laugh be forgotten, his beautiful singing voice or his talent at playing the harmonica. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary in 1999. He is survived by his son, John; baby brother, Joe (Becky) Alegria; grandchildren, Jaynne, Stevie Renee, twins, John Xavier & Scottie-Rose; great-grandchildren, Jesse, Jon, Justine, and David; great-great-grandchild, Madelynn. A viewing will be held at David’s Desert Chapel from 10-11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, with a graveside service at Garcia Cemetery at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at The Elks Club, Post 2160 in Wickenburg. David’s Desert Chapel was entrusted by the family to handle all arrangements.