Jose Pifanio Montano

On September 15, 2023, Jose Pifanio Montaño Sr., 84, passed away in Tucson, Arizona.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances Lopez Montaño, his 4 children, Cleo J., Ruth (Steve), Gloria (Rudy), Jose Pifanio Montaño Jr. (Priscilla) and his 12 grandchildren: Esther, Beatrice, Alexis, Cassandra, Monique, Ivylize, Michael, Corina, David, Marcus, Victoria, Zoe, 19 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Born in Cedar Grove, New Mexico on July 27, 1939, Jose spent a majority of his childhood growing up on farmland in New Mexico before moving to Patagonia, Marana and Tucson during his early years.

After learning the tenets of hard work, Jose decided that he would use his newfound adulthood to serve his country, and later his community. A proud veteran, Jose enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 19 and served on the U.S.S. Lexington during his tenure with the military.

In 1961, Jose and Frances were married by court, and then in April 1963, they were married in the Catholic Church, one of Frances’ fondest memories with Jose.

He then went on to work at the Anaconda and Anamax Mines, before becoming a heavy equipment mechanic in Silver City, New Mexico. With his newfound skillset, Jose was promoted to his calling as a Senior Heavy Equipment Mechanic for the City of Tucson, and retired from the City in 2002, at the age of 62.

Aside from his commitments as a provider, Jose was well-known for his inviting presence. For decades, he and his wife were known for throwing annual Christmas Eve parties where friends, family, and friends of family were all welcomed in his home, regardless of race, religion, and creed.

Even after retirement, his commitment to staying active didn’t wane. His golden years were filled with waking up at 3am to get a head start on his daily routine: drinking his morning, trying his luck at the casino, watching his favorite game shows, his treasured western movies, gardening, barbecuing, and being visited by his family were amongst his most endeared hobbies.

Jose Pifanio Montaño Sr. will be remembered for his welcoming spirit, his sense of humor, his dedication to hard work, and his commitment to being a pillar of strength for his family. The decisions he made throughout his life created positive ripples in the world, and he will be forever missed.

 On October 6th at Marana Mortuary 12146 W Barnett Rd. 

There will be a public viewing starting at 9:30am, with services immediately following at 10am. 

After services at the funeral home, we will proceed to the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 15950 N Luckett Road,  for his interment.