John Provencio

John Provencio Jr. entered into eternal rest on August 22, 2016 at home, surrounded by his family. John was born August 4, 1942 to Esther Padilla and John Provencio. He was the oldest of eight children growing up in Wards Canyon. "Mr. P", as he was affectionately known, lived most of his life in Clifton. He married Julia Jaramillo and from this union six children were born. He attended Clifton schools, worked at Patterson's Dairy as a teenager and later at the Standard Gas Station. He worked and lived in Tucson and Texas, but eventually came home and even ran Johnny's Ice Cream Wagon before his employment with Phelps Dodge in 1966. He began work in the smelter, transferring to the surface department and retired in 2001 as an overhead crane operator in the machine shop. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, and hunting. He also enjoyed collecting coins, baseball cards, marbles and old vehicles. John was known for his signature voice. He was the Spanish radio announcer for KCUZ in the 60's and 70's and the Master of Ceremonies for the church fiestas in the 70's and early 80's. He was many things to many people, a jewelry maker, a tee-ball coach, church usher and St. Jude's Children's Hospital bike-a-thon coordinator. But to all he was a good, kind man who looked forward to having a conversation with anyone he came across. John is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Julia, his seven children; Jo Ann Provencio, Jolene (Joseph) Castaneda, John (Josie) Provencio, Judy (Marty) Martinez, Jackie (Eddie) Webb, Janet (Jesse) Chavarria and Joshua Provencio, all of Clifton, a brother, Patrick Provencio, of Clifton and two sisters, Lupe Ponce and Hope Smith of Mammoth. Lovingly known to them as "Pa", he also leaves behind twenty-five grandchildren and forty-five great grandchildren. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. John was preceded in death by his parents; John and Esther, his brothers, Robert and David Provencio, two infant brothers, Tony and Jimmy Provencio, a grandson, Joseph David Provencio, and great grandson, Aidan John Provencio. A viewing will be held on Saturday August 27, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. with the rosary to follow at 9:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Clifton. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. with interment in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Morenci.