Alfonso S. Merino, 92, passed away on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at his home in Oracle.
He was born on Dec. 15, 1928, in Pirtleville, Arizona, the son of Candelario and Carlota (Somoza) Merino.
Our beloved “Al” saddled up and rode off, in the early morning of Dec. 18, to begin the next phase of his eternal existence.
He was a kind, caring, respectful, and hardworking man. By his example, he instilled these virtues in his children.
At an early age, he learned to wrangle horses, work cattle and ride the range, becoming a proficient and passionate “cowboy”. He worked many local ranches, as well as ranches around Rodeo, New Mexico. He was also a farrier in the Tri-Community and surrounding area.
He met Petra, his wife of 70 years, in Rodeo. He was immediately loved and welcomed into the Dominguez family. They were married on August 10, 1950.
In 1956, they moved to San Manuel, where Al worked at Magma Copper Company. Soon after, they moved to Oracle, until present.
He retired, after 35 years, all the while working on the ranches during round-ups and union strikes.
We remember Al as a quiet and humble man, who enjoyed family vacations to New Mexico, California, Colorado, Alaska, and Hawaii. He enjoyed a good party, with lots of dancing, to a variety of Mexican and Country/Western music. He also loved to go hunting, with his sons and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Petra; son, Alfonso I. Merino, his sons, Adam and Christopher and his wife, Ali, and their children, Mateo and Lorelai; daughter, Beatrice Merino, her daughters, Elizabeth and Judith and her husband, Tony, and their son, Noah; son, Rafael E. Merino and his wife, Sylvia, and their daughter, Melissa; two sisters, Anjelita Arvayo and Sara Velasco and her husband, David; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Although we are saddened by his departure, on this solemn occasion, please remember Alfonso as a loving, good-spirited man, who truly lived in the moment.
He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.
Private family services will be held at Vistoso Funeral Home in Oro Valley, with interment at Holy Hope Cemetery in Tucson. Al’s memorial website and online condolences may be accessed at vistosofh.com.