Edward M. Vasquez

Edward M. Vasquez, age 67, was born in San Francisco, California on October 29, 1953, to Jess Vasquez and Mary Mondragon and died unexpectedly on April 13, 2021, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ed spoke often of his early childhood in San Francisco where his love for the San Francisco Giants began when attending baseball games with his father at Candlestick Park. He also had fond memories of playing with his train set and was heartbroken when he had to leave it behind when moving to Arizona.

Ed went to Phoenix Union High School and loved playing football. Ed's love for football and perseverance to reach his goals afforded him the opportunity to try out for the Denver Gold football team. Ed's love of the game was passed on to his two sons and it was a highlight of his life to be able to coach them in youth sports and watch them play in high school and college.

Ed enjoyed helping others and set an example for his children that you always help out where you can. Ed and his best friend, John, could be found on weekends at someone's house making repairs, laying tile, working on cars, or doing yard work.

Ed spent a lot of time outdoors with his best friend and sons going camping, fishing, and hunting.

Ed loved to travel with his wife and they spent many summers in San Diego on Mission Beach. He carried with him very fond memories of their trips to Hawaii, driving across the country to catch his son's college football games, and going to Massachusetts to visit their daughter and granddaughter.

Ed loved his family with all of his heart. He was incredibly proud of each of his children and grandchildren for all they have accomplished. He treasured the memories of watching them grow up, play sports, reach their goals, raise families, and pass on the tradition of making tamales. Spending time with his grandchildren meant so much to him. He spoke fondly of the times he would take them to Diamondbacks baseball games, watch the bats fly in Phoenix, and graduate college.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, Jess Vasquez and Mary Mondragon.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara. His four children; daughter Michelle Miller (Derrick), son Michael Vasquez (Savannah Dalton), son DJ Vasquez (Dre Clark), and daughter Melissa Vasquez. His grandchildren; Dina Miller, Aiden Gallipeau, Liam Vasquez, Domonique Clark, and Penelope Vasquez. His siblings; sister Sylvia Wiltse and brother Richard Vasquez. He is also survived by his nieces Gina Simon and Renee Vasquez and his nephew JR Garcia. Along with numerous other family members; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Viewing will be held at 10 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 am on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at St. Joan of Arc, 3801 E. Greenway, Phoenix, AZ. Attire: no suits - wear red, blue, black, yellow, or orange in honor of Ed's favorite teams and The Stones.

Internment will be held at 12:30 pm on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St., Phoenix. Enter off of Oak Street, left in Gate 5.

Celebration of Life - Big Kahuna's Party will be held Friday, April 23, 2021, at 30050 N. 47th St, Cave Creek. Mariachi reception at 5 pm; sharing of stories and memories at 6 pm.

Attire: casual - wear Ed's favorite colors, your favorite Hawaiian shirt, or sport's team apparel.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ed's name to Phoenix Children's Hospital, St. Jude's Hospital, Phoenix Rescue Mission, or a charity of your choice.

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