Francisco J. Arvizu II, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on September 27, 2026, at the age of 77. Born in Tucson, Arizona, Francisco made Tucson his lifelong home, where he built his family, served his community, and created a lifetime of cherished memories.

He was a devoted husband to Eloise “Gorda”, his wife of 52 years. Together, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. He was a loving father to Francisco (Patricia) and Philip (Jennifer), and a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren. He took great pride in being there for them and found endless joy in sharing in their lives and celebrating their milestones.

He is survived by his brothers, Carlos (Joanne) and Juarez (Sandra), and his sisters, Carlotta, Rosalinda, Yvette (Rich), and Lucas. He was preceded in death by his father, Francisco J. Arvizu; his mother, Herlinda Arvizu; and his brothers, Zaragoza and Walterio.

Francisco was a humble man with a quiet strength and a generous heart. He proudly served as a Senior Master Sergeant and as Fire Chief with the Air National Guard. Throughout his career, he wore many hats and carried each responsibility with dedication and pride. To many, he was a mentor who believed in helping others learn and grow. He shared his knowledge freely, offered guidance when needed, and encouraged those around him to become the best they could be. Though he held positions of great responsibility, he never sought recognition. Helping others and doing his part was simply who he was.

He had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for making people laugh. In a note he left behind for his children, he joked: “Do not look up when coming out of church. I’m coming back as a bird, and I’ll poop on you all. If you see bird poop, you’ll know I was there.” This note captured his playful spirit and wonderful sense of humor, leaving behind a memory that will bring smiles and laughter for years to come.

Even at the end of his long health battle, Francisco’s humor remained. After entering hospice, his wife, Eloise, asked him, “Are you okay, dear?” He answered, “I don’t know. I’ve never died before.” That was Francisco—honest, quick-witted, and able to find a little humor even in the most difficult moments.

His battle with illness was long, and the road was not always easy. Yet through it all, he carried the same quiet strength that had defined his life. He faced the unknown with faith, trusting even when he could not know what lay ahead. He kept a handwritten quote in his office that read: “Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.” In the end, these words became a reflection of the way he faced his final chapter. His faith gave him the strength to take each day as it came, to trust in what he could not see, and ultimately, to let go.

Francisco’s greatest legacy is the love he gave to his family and friends. His kindness, humility, sense of humor, and devotion to those he loved will live on through the stories we share, the lessons he passed down, and the laughter he brought to the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.