Arthur Madrid

Arthur P. Madrid, 79, of Safford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 24, 2015. Art was born to George and Anita Parra on March 22, 1936 in San Pedro, California. In 1937, his family moved from California to Solomon where he attended Solomon School. At 19, he joined the U.S. Army and served his country honorably from 1955 to 1957. In 1975, he received his Associate of Applied Science degree from Eastern Arizona College. Art married Eloisa Perez on September 26, 1959. In 1964, he and Eloisa moved from their home in Solomon to Safford to raise their three children; Sandra, Roseann and Arturo, Jr. He worked as a truck driver for the Safford Packing Company then as a TV repairman. Art was a very happy man and loved to tell jokes or pull pranks on family and friends. On his better days, you could find him engaging in his favorite activity, fishing, either at the duck pond or at the river with friends. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Art was a courageous fighter. From his early 20s, he battled long and hard from numerous health conditions which included many surgeries and frequent hospitalizations. But through it all, his outlook on life was always positive. His strength and courage will never be forgotten. Art is survived by his wife of 55 years, Eloisa Madrid and three children: Sandra (Lencho) Carrasco, Roseann Maylen and Arturo (Sheri) Madrid, Jr., of Safford. He is survived by grandchildren: Reanna (Nando) Gasca, Michelle (Sam) Aguilar, Daniel (Andrea) Madrid, Chris (Candice) Garcia, Eric (Zulma) Provencio, Trinity Madrid and Hunter Madrid, his great-grandchildren; Samuel, Patrick, Gracie, Sophie, Bryant, Zoey, Rocsie and Chris, Jr., his brother George (Lilly) Madrid of San Manuel and sisters Beatrice Franco of La Puente, California and Armida Munoz of Solomon. Art was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anita Madrid, his sister Dolores Montez, his son-in-law Kirt Maylen and brother-in-law Benny Munoz. A Memorial Mass in his honor will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Rose of Lima Church in Safford.