Vasquez, Eusevio O. "Poncho"

of Tempe, AZ passed away peacefully on July 27th at the age
of 85. He was born in Phoenix on October 29, 1924 to
Francisco and Elena Vasquez and had six brothers and sisters.
His surviving brother is Simon Vasquez. Poncho worked for the
Heard Ranch as a farmer in his early years before going to
work for Safeway warehouse where he retired after 30 years. In
1972, Poncho and his wife Isabel opened Poncho's Mexican
Food in South Phoenix which was visited by President Bill
Clinton. For many years he has devoted his time to the Mission
Church at 24th Street and Dobbins, built by his father in 1941
and dedicated to San Francisco Xavier. He was also a volunteer
fireman for the Guadalupe Fire Department. He had a passion
for Mariachi music and loved to sing along. His work ethic was
an example to all. Poncho was also a devoted and caring friend
to many. He will be remembered for his friendliness, genuine
smile, firm handshake, and a great sense of humor. Poncho is
preceded in death by his loving wife Isabel Vasquez. Those
who will cherish his legacy are his sons Ralph (Rebecca)
Vasquez, George (Mary) Vasquez, his longtime companion,
Inez Alva, and his grandchildren Beth (Jason) Quast, Tim (Julie)
Vasquez, Amy Vasquez, Jennilyn (Anthony) Costantini, Dave
(Emily) Esch, Brandon (Courtney)Shelton, Dusty Shelton and
great grandchildren Isabel, Camden and Cody Vasquez, Shai
and Santana McDonald, McKenzie, Allie, and Dillon Esch,
Hesston and Hayden Shelton, and Gabriella Isabel Quast. Family
and friends are invited for a Visitation and Rosary on Monday
August 2, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Saint Catherine of Siena
Catholic Church, 6401 S. Central Ave in Phoenix. Funeral Mass
will be held on Tuesday August 3rd at 9:00 am at Saint
Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Interment will take place
immediately following Mass at Resthaven Cemetery 4301 E.
Southern Ave, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be
sent to Odyssey Hospice, 202 E. Earl Drive, Suite 160, Phoenix,
AZ 85012 who were exceptional in their support.
Arrangements entrusted to Tempe Mortuary.

Published in The Arizona Republic from August 1 to August 2,
2010