Francisco “Frank” Valenzuela
Francisco “Frank” Valenzuela, 85, passed away at Casa Adobes Care Center in Tucson on Sept. 22, 2025.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Edna; son Heriberto; brothers, Jesse, Heriberto and Theodore; one granddaughter and three great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Ralph C. (Tina), Jesus F. (Connie) and Victor S.; brothers, Renee and Leroy; sisters, Leticia and Rosie; 15 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.
Frank was a self-taught geologist, a geologist at heart who loved mining for minerals, and some of his minerals are in museums and magazines. He specialized in minerals and taught about them at the CAC and U of A colleges. He was a miner at BHP Copper Mine for 45 years as a mechanic welder/supervisor. He was dedicated to his work and never called out for a day of work for anything.
Frank also had a love for music. He had two bands called Los Galles De Sonora and Imagen Norteno. In his younger days, Frank was a professional boxer. He loved eating out and taking everyone out to eat with him. He would always have a great sense of humor making everyone laugh, always telling everyone “I love you and I pray everyday for family and friends.” Frank was very generous and giving to all when he could.
Viewing and service for Francisco Valenzuela will be held at Martinez Funeral Chapels, located at 2580 S. Sixth Ave., Tucson, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 18. A potluck gathering will be held from 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. at the same location.