Armand "Jay" Birdno, formerly of Safford, entered into eternal life on November 17, 2020, in Provo, Utah at the age of 93. He was born on February 25, 1927, in Safford, Arizona to parents William D. Birdno & Theresa Allred Birdno.
Jay graduated from Safford High School in 1945 and soon after enlisted in the United States Army while still here in Safford. After being honorably discharged, Jay married Delila Rae Turley on April 22, 1949 in Lebanon, Arizona and to that union 4 children were born; Michael, Steven, Terry, and Tressa.
Jay enjoyed square dancing, camping, fishing, hunting, riding small motorcycles, and traveling. Jay & Delila drove to 49 of the 50 states only because they couldn't drive to Hawaii. He also loved to give hugs, something that we all miss these days. Jay was employed by the Arizona Department of Transportation and was a very conscientious worker.
He is survived by his loving wife Delila Birdno, his children Michael (Janette) Birdno, Terry (Claudia) Birdno, and Tressa (Owen) Christianson, 18 Grandchildren, 58 Great-Grandchildren, and 6 Great-Great-Grandchildren.
Jay was preceded in death by his son Steven, his great-grandson Clifford, his parents, William & Theresa Birdno, and his brothers William, Roy, Rex, and Virtis Birdno.
A graveside service will be held at the Safford Cemetery on Saturday, November 28, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.