Alonzo Maya Coronado passed away on December 8, 2021, with family at home, Thatcher, Arizona. He was 94 years old. He was born in Clifton, AZ on Nov. 26, 1927. Parents; Angelina Maya and Crispin Coronado.
By the age of 8 years, he already had a few yards to clean for elderly people; take care of their chickens, etc. By 11 years he had a paper route, and those Sunday papers were too heavy and no fun, as his bike always seemed to have low tires. At age 15-16 he worked for Patterson’s Dairy doing deliveries to Morenci, AZ in the early hours, and rushing to school later.
During his high school sophomore year, he joined the Army. His Military Service was during WWII, from April 1946 and Honorably Discharged on February 2, 1947, with TEC 5th Grade Rank. He was stationed in North Korea, along the 38″ to the North Korea Border. When discharged he returned to Clifton, AZ worked a few odd jobs and eventually went to Tucson, AZ and worked construction until he found work with Phelps Dodge Copper Co.
During that period, he married Velia Lara. They were married at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Clifton, AZ. Sacred Heart was his Church Home. Alonzo and Velia made their home in Clifton. He built their home brick by brick. They recently celebrated their 74th Wedding Anniversary in 2021.
They had 3 children: Frank, Evanna, Sylvia; 11 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and about 9 great-great-grandchildren.
During his children’s baby – teen and etc. years: Alonzo was always ready to help with their sports activities, was a Baseball Coach to them, Scout Master – Cheer Leader to all to their activities and everything in between. He helped at Church as Usher and anything that was needed of him. Later when he and Velia moved to Thatcher, he was a Member of the Catholic Council in Safford, AZ of Saint Rose of Lima.
Alonzo retired in 1982 from Phelps Dodge Copper Co. and after a few months he decided to go to Eastern AZ College (EAC). He and Velia moved to Thatcher where he earned AA degree. After graduation he worked for EAC for 13 years, during that time he was also a Handy Man for a few elderly people.
When his health began to decline, he kept busy watching his Diamondbacks and any sports on TV and going to Wal-Mart to see anybody from home or speaking to anyone in the store.
Alonzo was the last member of the Coronado Family; his other siblings were, Carmen, Crispin, Julio, Angelina #1, John, Antonio, Angelina #2, Sam, Alicia, Alonzo and Ben. Vaya Con Dios,” See you Soon.
Alonzo was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 10383 – Thatcher, AZ, American Legion Post # 28 – Solomon, AZ. Held a few office duties in both Posts and Color Guard, Services Officer, etc.
A Great Honor was given to him this year from the Veterans of World II to be the Grand Marshal at the Veterans Day Parade in Safford, AZ in November 2021.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Alonzo will be celebrated Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Clifton by Rev. Nathaniel Mma. Committal will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery with military honors.
A Rosary and prayers will be offered Saturday morning, January 8, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Clifton.
The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., also at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
