Benancio S. Zaragoza born April 1, 1918 in Douglas, Arizona passed away at his home on July 9, 2009.

 He was a lifelong resident of Douglas.  He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He retired from the Phelps Dodge Smelter after 42 years of service.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and the VFW. 

Benancio was preceded in death by his 6 brothers; Francisco, Mariano, Miguel, Eduardo, Andres, Manuel; his sisters Catalina and Esther and great grandchild Francisco Andres Zaragoza.  He has two surviving sisters, Celia and Carmen of Phoenix, Arizona.

 Benny enjoyed walking, watching the Diamondbacks on TV, reading the sports page, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren.   He was a kind, generous, loving father and grandfather that his family was very proud of.  

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Maria Luisa and his children Leticia and Frank (Irma) Zaragoza of Douglas.  “Tata” as he was known by his loved ones, will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Frances (Edward), Billy (Amanda), Karla (Arturo), Paco (Milu), Benny, Scotty (Veronica), and Santos.  His great grandchildren, Alexandria, Joseph, Jonathan, Justyne, Bianca, Levi, Christian, Adreyan, Chanelle, Charlize, Nubia, Destiny, Nadine, Diego, John Paul, Jacob, Joshua and great-great grandchild Alonzo.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

 A Rosary for Benancio was recited on Sunday July 12th, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Brown Page Mortuary Chapel.  A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13th, 2009 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.   Pallbearers who served were Frank Zaragoza Jr., Frank Zaragoza, Billy Mendez, Scott Zaragoza, Benny Arambula, Eloy Zaragoza. Honorary Pallbearers were Joseph Gonzalez, Edward Gonzalez, Arturo Juarez, Javier Grijalva, Praxedez Juarez, Jesus Saavedra, Frank Martinez, and Joe Rivera.

Care was entrusted to Brown Page Mortuary, 364-3434.