Frank Munoz Montoya 92, formerly of Clifton, passed away on March 5, 2021 at his home in Tucson, Arizona, due to a chronic medical condition.
Frank was born on October 5, 1928, the fourth of nine children born to Timoteo and Elena Munoz Montoya. He grew up in Clifton and attended Clifton Schools. At the age of 17 he joined the United States Air Force. He requested to be stationed in the Hawaiian Islands but was instead sent to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Frank served our country and after four years was honorably discharged. He used the G.I. Bill to be trained as a Meat Cutter.
Upon his discharge from the military, Frank returned to Clifton and began working as a meat cutter. He met Eva Luna of Morenci. They married, made their home in Clifton and had 6 children. Frank worked for Phelps Dodge Mercantile retiring after 29 years. He then went to work for the Clifton Fire Department, then the Clifton Unified School District.
After Eva’s death he met Molly Romo of Tucson who was his best friend and loving companion for twenty-nine years where he resided until his death. Frank was a friendly, outgoing person who always had a friendly smile, and words of encouragement.
Frank was preceded in death by: his wife Eva; and his son, Neil. Frank is survived by: his children, Vangie Esquivel (David), Frank (Sandra), Jaime (Marie), Michael (Barbara), and Xavier, his loving partner, Molly Romo; seventeen grandchildren; forty-six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Frank will be celebrated Saturday morning, March 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Clifton by Rev. Nathaniel Mma.
A Rosary and prayers will be offered Saturday morning, March 27, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church led by Frank’s son-in-law, David Esquivel.
The family will receive friends Saturday morning, March 27, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., also at the church.
Frank will be laid to rest Saturday morning, April 10, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Cemetery with military honors conferred by the Clifton American Legion Lloyd C. Hill Post #28 Honor Guard.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
