Gilbert Velasquez

SUPERIOR - Gilbert Velasquez, 87, of Superior died on Feb. 9, 2014, at Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, with rosary recited at 7. Funeral Mass will be celebrated there at 10 a.m. Saturday by the Rev. Marcos Velasquez. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.

Mr. Velasquez was born on Oct. 9, 1926, in the old mining town of Sonora, Ariz., and was a son of Alfredo and Librada Velasquez. He served in the Army and worked for Magma Copper Company for more than 35 years. He enjoyed being with friends and family, playing dice and horseshoes, and telling stories. He was also known as the "Can Man."

Survivors include his wife, Mary Contreras Velasquez; nine sons and daughters, Gilbert (Michelle)Velasquez of San Tan Valley, Richard of Superior, Theresa V. (Jerry) Otero of Fruita, Colo., Adelita Velasquez of Buckeye, Father Marcos C. Velasquez of Maricopa, Virginia (James) Mitchell of Superior, Andrea Beltran of Superior, Andrew Velasquez of Superior and Angel (April) Velasquez of Globe; 42 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four sons, Alejandro, Fernando, Esteban "Ephan" and Freddie.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.