Peter R. Santa Maria passed away Sept. 13, 2021 on his transplanted kidney’s one year anniversary. Peter was born Nov. 17, 1949 in Ray-Sonora, Arizona to parents Pedro and Dolores Santa Maria.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his younger sister Carmen, and his grandson Ryan Estrada.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Phyllis; his children, Stephanie, Racquel, and Matthew; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Robert; and grand-kitties. He was a proud uncle and a friend to many.
Peenee was an accomplished guitar player. He loved to play and sing for people. In high school he played with the Unknown 5 and Me and the Other Half. Later he played with La Gente, La Gente Nueva, and Amistad. He was a lifelong Lobo and enjoyed watching football games.
Being a third generation miner, he worked for ASARCO for 46 years, first as a laborer, then carpenter, and finally retired as the plant blacksmith. He was very proud to be part of USW 886.
He loved going to movies and sporting events with his family.
A funeral service will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church on Sept. 25, 2021 (9-9:30 a.m. visitation, 9:30-10 a.m. Rosary, 10 a.m. Mass). The family would like to honor Peter’s wishes and belief in the CDC guidelines to practice social distancing, mask wearing, and participation in the vaccine. Please do not attend the services if you are feeling ill. For your safety, and the safety of the family, masks will be mandatory. We kindly request that you refrain from any physical condolences at the service. Please note that a maximum capacity is set at 80 people and a celebration of life and internment will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in honor of Peter to the Kidney Transplant Fund at Banner University Medical Center-Tucson. Donations may be mailed to Banner Health Foundation, 2901 N. Central Avenue, Suite 160, Phoenix, AZ 85012.https://www.bannerhealthfoundation.org/ (602.747.GIVE (4483).