Manuel Canizales Gaona, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, at Vesta House in Chandler, Arizona.
He was born in Miami, Arizona, on July 27, 1946; he was 78 years old. He was the son of Rafael and Belia (Canizales) Gaona.
He worked for the copper mines as a heavy-duty equipment mechanic.
He enjoyed playing golf, he was on a softball team named Sawaia and played in a softball tournament for the town of Miami in 1977 where they won the National Championship. He loved cars and boats. He also liked being outdoors hunting deer at Cherry Creek.
Manuel is survived by his children Daniel J. Gaona (Lisa), Tina A. Gamboa, Morgan Racquel Gaona, Damien Q. Gaona and Priscilla L. Gaona; his siblings Helen Medrano, Rafael Gaona, Jr., Richard Gaona and Dolores Gaona; and 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents Rafael and Belia Gaona, his son Manuel Gaona, his daughter Mecca Littlefield and his sister Jenny Sanchez.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Miami, Arizona.
Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.
