Armando Lechuga “Mando”, beloved son, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Born on Jan. 27, 1970, in Kearny, AZ, Mando was a cherished son of Armando and Bernice Lechuga of Kearny. He grew up in Kearny with his siblings and cousins and developed lifelong friendships. After graduating from Ray High School, Mando went on to pursue a career in Industrial Construction.
In 1997, Mando became the proud father to his daughter, Shaylee Lechuga. His life was filled with love, laughter, and countless memories with her. In 2013, that joy and pride doubled with a son, Mandito Lechuga. He was a devoted father to his children, instilling in them the values of hard work, integrity, and the love of family.
Mando was a loyal friend with a generous spirit. He would do anything for the people he loved. Mando was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved being out in nature, especially around his beloved camp Black River with family and friends. He loved the Cardinals, Suns, D-Backs, Sun Devils, and his Bearcats. You would always catch him wearing his Bearcat gear, which he proudly wore in support of his brother Alfred’s baseball teams. Mando will always be remembered for his quick wit, great sense of humor, and being very headstrong. He was loved by many and his memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those closest to him. His laugh, his smile, and his love for his friends and family will not be forgotten. Most importantly, he loved being a dad to Shaylee and Mandito, and a Tata to Kiki. He lived every day, up until his last day, for his family.
Mando will be sorely missed by his family and many friends whom he helped and inspired. As he rests from his life’s long labor, this great son, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend should know that he has made his family proud. The world is most definitely a better place because of Mando Lechuga.
He is survived by his parents, Armando and Bernice Lechuga; his children, Shaylee and Mandito Lechuga; his grandchild, Kian “Kiki” Lechuga; his siblings, Alfred and Isabel Lechuga; and his extended family. Mando was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alfredo and Isabel Trujillo and Antonia Vega and Eusébio Lechuga.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and a Mass at 10 a.m. at Infant Jesus of Prague in Kearny, AZ. A luncheon will follow at the Leo Terrill Hall in Kearny, AZ.