October 7, 1975 – July 8, 2024
Juan Filiberto Escalante (John), 48, was born in Kearny, AZ on Oct. 7, 1975, and was called home on July 8, 2024.
He grew up in Dudleyville, San Pedro and the Hayden-Winkelman area and was a 1993 Hayden High School graduate. In 1995, his oldest daughter Alyssa was born, and in 1997 he enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to training. On Oct. 23, 1999, he married his wife Danyell and the couple raised five children, Alyssa (Andy), Anicia (Kevin), Antonio (Carol), Aviana and Amelia. He has three grandsons, Andrew and Abram Monfred, and Alexander Escalante.
While in the Marines, John had four deployments during his career: to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, to Africa in support of Operation Anaconda, and to Iraq twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). He was also a Drill Instructor and retired from the USMC in 2017 as a First Sergeant with many honors and medals after serving 20+ years. He and his family were stationed in California for most of their military lives as well as Okinawa, Japan.
After retirement, he moved to Tucson, AZ to be closer to his family and was employed by Davis Monthan AFB. He also earned a Degree in Business from Park University.
He is survived by his wife, Danyell; his children and grandchildren; parents, Rosa and John Escalante; brothers, Mike, Nick and Chris (Celina); and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, family and friends.
He is preceded in death by many loved ones.
John enjoyed watching his Arizona Wildcats and Dodgers, grilling dinner, having a good time, listening to music and spending time with his familia. He had a loud boisterous voice that let you know he was present and the biggest smile! He was very proud of where he grew up and never forgot his friends, memories and time he grew up here in this area. John leaves many memories and touched numerous lives. He will be greatly missed!
Services were held on July 20, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hayden and he was interred at Mountain View Cemetery.