“J” Trinidad (Trino) Avelar
“J” Trinidad (Trino) Avelar of Kearny, AZ passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 2, 2025. He was 94 years old. He was born on Jan. 7, 1931, in Pasadena, CA.
He is preceded in death by his parents Pedro Ibarra Avelar and Guadalupe Carlos Avelar, brothers Lupe, Raoul, Estaban, Pedro, and Hector, and sisters Socorro (St. Mary Bernice), Jovita, Anna, and Alice (Licha). He is survived by his wife, Miriam, and sons Jay Gilbert, Roger, Peter, Mitch, Matthew and only daughter Tina Marie and his grandchildren Jason, Paul, Chris, Alina, Averi, Jay, and Lupe.
“J” grew up in Sonora, AZ and joined the Navy in 1948 at age 17. His mother gave a reluctant approval after his father told her, “If he’s made up his mind, let him go.” He did his basic training in San Diego and was assigned to the naval station on Whidbey Island in Washington State. The Korean War began in 1950 and he was reassigned to the station in Kodiak, Alaska. His tour was up in 1952 and he was released at the naval station in Alameda, CA. While there, he met and married Margarita Rodriguez. They moved that same year to Sonora. Together, they had sons Gilbert, Roger, Peter, and a precious daughter, Tina Marie.
Dad’s mining career began at Kennecott, Ray Mine where he began as a laborer. Eventually, he became a supervisor. He moved to Questa, NM in 1968 and became a pit supervisor.
He also met and married Linda Sue Jones. Son Robin Mitchell was born to them in 1973. As his career advanced, he worked in 5 different states and several countries.
Mexico was first, then in 1982 on to Honduras where he worked as the administration manager. There he met and married Blanca Miriam Rodriguez. Matthew was born to them in 1991. His work eventually took him to Venezuela, Uruguay, and Guyana.
He retired in 1997 and moved back to Kearny to be closer to his mother, brothers, and sisters. Though retired, he was still active, working with the Knights of Columbus, Food Bank Distribution, St. Vincent de Paul, and of course, supervisor of Kearny’s Saturday Dump Day.
Dad will be remembered as an honest man, a fair man, and a hardworking man who loved his jazz music. He was also a man of faith who loved and believed in God. He’s at peace now and reunited in heaven with his parents, brothers, and sisters who he loved so much.
Services for “J” Avelar were held Oct. 17 at Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church in Kearny. Interment with Military Honors followed at Kearny Cemetery.