With great sadness, the Carrillo family announces the passing of Armando Tito Carrillo. He was born February 6, 1939 to Amalia Varela Carrillo in Solomon, Arizona. He was 85 years old. After battling health problems, Tito went to be with the Lord on March 6, 2024 with his family by his side.
He is survived by: his sister, Lucy Pellman of Albuquerque, New Mexico; daughters, Angela, Lorraine, Eberta, Amanda (David), Isabel (Lawrence), Janeene, Melinda, Anna, and Monica; his only son, Armando Christian Carrillo (Alexandria); 18 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 9 nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by: his daughter, Bernice Carrillo, and sister, Connie Benavidez.
Tito worked in the cotton fields alongside his mother, as well as Pepsi Cola in Clifton, Arizona. He spent over 25 years working as a locomotive engineer at Phelps Dodge. During the strike he found employment as a CDL driver in El Paso. He was called back to Phelps Dodge and retired to his home in Solomon, Arizona. Tito was a teen when he started his boxing career in 1953 with professional trainer Al Finn, at Bud Rainey’s boxing club. He secured the Golden Glove feather weight in 1953 and 1954, middle weight championship in 1955-1956, regional champion in 1955, earning recognition in the Arizona Hispanic Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. His coach wanted him to go pro, but he stated, “I’m a lover not a fighter, and a Golden Gloves champion”.
Loving the outdoors, he loved fishing, hunting, traveling, horse racing, family history, and politics. He loved growing plants, especially green chili, the hotter the better. He made friends near and far, always willing to chat and share stories. The family would like to thank everyone for their love, thoughts and prayers, along with SEACUS and Essential Patient Care who cared for our father during his last days. Our champ will surely be missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Tito was celebrated Friday, March 22, 2024, at 9:30 am., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Rev. Nathaniel Mma. Committal followed in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
