| Birth: | Oct. 20, 1919
Morenci
Greenlee County
Arizona, USA | | Death: | Jan. 6, 2012
Tucson
Pima County
Arizona, USA | 
A memorial Mass of Christian burial for John F. Coronado, 92, was celebrated Saturday, April 28, 2012, at 11 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Rev. Martin Atanga Baabuge. Committal followed in the Sacred Heart Cemetery with military honors conferred by the American Legion Post 28. John entered into eternal rest Friday morning, Jan. 6, 2012, at the Casa Theresita Assisted Living Facility in Tucson with his wife, Mary, of 64 years, at his side.
John F. Coronado was born in Morenci on Oct. 20, 1919. He was the seventh of 12 children born to Crispin Coronado and Angelina Maya Coronado. Growing up with all of his brothers and sisters made for some good memories. They also had some hard times, but all enjoyed their young days growing up together.
John graduated from Clifton High School in 1939. He lettered in tennis and football. It was while in school that John received the nickname "Cucho," meaning left-handed. Following his graduation, John worked as many odd jobs that he could find to help with expenses at home.
On May 6, 1942, John was drafted into the United States Army. He would receive his basic training in Fort Bliss, Texas. During this time, John met and married Nellie, and a daughter, Alice Joan, was born. John served his country in WWII, where he was sent and stationed in England. On Sept. 30, 1945, he would receive an honorable discharge with the rank of sergeant.
Upon his return to the United States, John would settle in Tucson. While living in Tucson, he found work in the construction business. During this time, he would meet and later marry the love of his life, Mary Ruth Fridley. Together they would join the Peace Corps and enjoy travels around the world. They would first travel to South America, where they helped build schools, hospitals and homes. They would also spend time educating the children and adults in English. After a few years in South America, John and Mary would travel to Europe and perform the same humanitarian work there. For many years, they were able to keep in touch with their new friends and even helped to sponsor some to come to the United States and further their education.
Once their duties were through with the Peace Corps, John and Mary settled back in the States near Sierra Vista, where he managed a service station. They would always keep in touch with family members and enjoyed reliving their travels as they shared their many experiences of their work. They continued their love of teaching and taking care of children by becoming foster parents.
The opportunity of moving to Dallas was another chapter that brought adventure into their lives. John owned a landscaping business for several years in Dallas. John's health was declining and slowing him down after being active for so long. He told his brother, Alonzo, that he was ready to come home to Arizona. John was brought home to Arizona in November of 2011 to be with family and friends until his passing Jan. 6, 2012.
John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Ruth; his two brothers, Alonzo and Ben; his daughter, Alice Joan; three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Obit: Eastern Arizona Courier, Safford, Arizona.
Posted: Sunday, April 29, 2012.
View online birth certificate.
View supplementary report of birth.
Family links:
Parents:
Angelina Maya Coronado (1891 - 1941)
| | | Burial:
Sacred Heart Cemetery
Clifton
Greenlee County
Arizona, USA |
Created by: Mike H
Record added: Jan 06, 2012
Find A Grave Memorial# 83039809 |
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Added by:
Mike H
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Cemetery Photo
Added by:
Mike H
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~ Memorial Day 2012 ~
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ChaseCreekKid
Added: May. 28, 2012 |
~ Rest In Peace ~
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Mike H
Added: Apr. 29, 2012 |
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