In memoriam: Funeral notices, February 21, 2021

BRANDON, John W., III

Born October 18, 1926,

went to be with our Lord February 16, 2021 at the age of 94.

YMCA supporter. His beloved wife, Priscilla,

preceded him to heaven.

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Survived by son, John W. Brandon IV (Elvira) and

daughter, Lucy Smith (Dennis) and grandchildren, Megan Jasper (Regan), Priscilla and John V.

In lieu of flowers donate to Manos de Dios,

NFP www.ManosdeDios.org or Calvary Christian

Fellowship, Tucson

or Samaritan's Purse www.SamaritansPurse.com.

Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

COGSWELL, Kathryn "Kathy" Louise Hammond

passed away peacefully in Port Townsend, Washington on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Kathy's journey began in Tucson, Arizona, born to Kathryn Louise and William Ira Hammond on May 28, 1943. She graduated from Tucson High, then attended University of Arizona where she majored in English and pledged Kappa Alpha Theta. During these years, Kathy modeled and received many accolades, including serving on the Queen's Court in the 1963 El Paso Texas Sun Bowl. That year, she began dating and soon married Jim Cogswell. She left Tucson behind for Denver, Colorado, where daughters, Carrie and Kathleen "Kat" were born.

In 1973, the Cogswells, three pets, and a U-Haul full of plants landed in The Dalles, Oregon, for Jim's radiology practice. Kathy filled her decades in the Columbia River Gorge with deep friendships, family, and style. Kathy not only saw beauty in fine works of art, but also in patterns of leaves, pinecones, and stacked firewood. She and Jim designed and built "Quail Acre" at 1420 E. 16th St., then moved to "Larkspar Mountain" in Rowena, once the girls graduated high school.

Kathy impressed all she met with her intellect, wit and beauty-- her uncanny ability to see and seek good in the world. Her grandchildren remember "Mamama" reading them her favorites (e.g., "The Snowy Day"), making turkey table settings for Thanksgiving, polishing nails, learning games, and solving puzzle challenges faster than they could invent them.

Kathy ended her journey looking out over the Port Townsend Harbor and her beloved Puget Sound. She will be close in the hearts of those who love her. She is survived by one brother; daughters, Carrie and Kat; and four grandchildren. No service is scheduled. Donations may be made to Friends of the Columbia Gorge. Please send memories and condolences to 5620 SW Alfred Ct., Portland, OR, 97219.

L'HEUREUX, Raymond R.

80, passed away after a long illness. He was born in Manhattan, New York to Eugene and Angelina (LaRiviere) L'Heureux. Ray is survived by his wife of 33 years, Susan as well as his four children, Joseph (Amy), Michael (Tina), Richard (Dena) and Kymberly (John); seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His siblings, Eugene, Paul and Dolores; granddaughter, Camile and great-granddaughter, Diamond predeceased him as did his parents. In remembrance of Ray, please consider a donation in his honor to the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter. Funeral Arrangements by VISTOSO FUNERAL HOME.

LEBRON, Santiago "Sandy"

94, died February 10, 2021, with wife, Mary "Nena" at his bedside along with family and his Peppi's Hospice team. A special, gifted man: WWII Veteran, journeyman newspaper printer, UofA Master's degree grad.; Voc. Rehab Counselor. Volunteer at St. Jos. Hosp., OMOS Parish, Sun Sounds and wherever there was need. He is being missed by his sister, daughter, three sons, many grand and great-grandchildren, Tucson family, friends, and Cosmo his dog-buddy. His laugh, his world-traveling, his love of learning, care and sensitivity for others describe the person he was. Because of his concern for safety, a Life celebration will be held at a later time. Santiago's family feels a special gratefulness to his Hospice team, Msgr. Cahalane, Bill Dohr, friends, and neighbors. He is with God. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

LINGLE, Scott D.

64, died comfortably at home from complications of PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) on February 15, 2021. Scott is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lori; son, Steven of Tucson; daughter, Katie of Denver; sister, Connie Jo (Keith) of Red Oak, IA and other family and friends. Predeceased by parents and brother, Robert. Born and raised in Denison, IA, he was a 1981 graduate of Univ. of Northern Iowa. In 1982, he began his teaching career as an art teacher in Prophetstown, IL. In 1984, Scott and Lori moved to Tucson where Scott taught 6th and 5th grades at Lawrence Elementary and Lyons Elementary. He retired in 2013 when he began having symptoms of PSP. Scott was an avid hiker, backpacker, outdoorsman and lover of all books. Scott had faith in God and is no longer suffering. Services will be private. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in his name to CurePSP at 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 or online at PSP.org. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.

MAHONEY, Margaret Elizabeth

We pause to give thanks for the 78 years Margaret was with us. She peacefully passed from this life on Friday morning, February 12, 2021 in Tucson. She was born August 28, 1942 in Springfield, Ohio and moved to Tucson with her family in 1949. She attended Saints Peter and Paul school and graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School in 1960. Upon graduation, she enlisted as a wave in the U.S. Navy for three years. She also served in the Army Reserve for one year. Margaret's working career was with Mountain Bell Telephone Co., with TG&E and TEP for over 30 years. Margaret was a remarkable woman who dispensed kindness to all she came in contact with. Her passion was helping others all her life. It is impossible to adequately thank her for enriching our lives. Kindness was her trademark. She will not be forgotten. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, John J. and Anna Lucille and brother, Robert E. Mahoney. She is survived by her brother, John P. Mahoney (Reena); four nieces, Shawn, Shannon, Kelly and Meghan and nephew, Cullen; along with extended family and friends. We would like to say a special thanks to Alberta Adrian for her friendship with Margaret. Rest in peace Margaret and enjoy eternal celestial bliss. Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1159 N. Craycroft Road, Tucson, AZ 85712. Arrangements by ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME.

MERING, Ellen Westfall

1931 - February 15, 2021

Ellie Mering, age 89, crossed the shining river on Monday, February 15, 2021. She loved laughter, people, and writing.

Ellie was born in Columbia, Missouri. She graduated from Dana Hall in 1949. She was a Pi Phi at the University of Missouri in Columbia and graduated with a degree in English in 1953. She married John Mering in 1954 and the family settled in Tucson in 1969.

Ellie described herself as a "peoplearian" and will be remembered as gregarious, curious, and witty. She was an avid reader and lover of books, a tennis athlete, and a vicious ping pong player. She delighted in hosting gatherings at her home on Elm Street. She frequented the Arizona Inn, where she loved to mingle and enjoy the piano music. Ellie was a proponent of vaccination, birth control, and swimming lessons. She regularly implored her children and her grandchildren (and anyone within earshot) to write a sentence a day. "Write, write, write! It's the right thing to do." She had short stories published in American Fiction: The Best Unpublished Short Stories by Emerging Writers; Calyx, A Journal of Art and Literature by Women Poets and Writers; Kaleidoscope: Martindale Literary Award Winners, and Kalliope: A Journal of Women's Literature and Art.

Ellie is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Rollins Westfall and Wilhelmus David Allen Westfall; her brother, David Westfall and her husband of 52 years, John Vollmer Mering. She is survived by her four children, Clay (Laurie), Ellen (Lynn), Meg (Duncan) and Sallie (Steve). Each of us was her favorite child. She also leaves behind three treasured grandchildren, Vatika, Eli and Alden, and one great-grandchild, Gwen. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was "Aunt Ancient" to the Westfall clan, a moniker which she fully embodied at the end of her life.

The family is grateful for the care Ellie received at Amber Lights Senior Living.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the James S. Rollins Slavery Atonement Endowment at the University of Missouri blackstudies.missouri.edu/research or Planned Parenthood www.plannedparenthood.org/getinvolved. A virtual memorial service is planned.

Love from all of us, Ellie. Wherever you are, "Have fun, but don't get caught."

"Thank you for being. Thank you for being you."

Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

PINTOZZI, Chestalene

age 73, died suddenly and unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on February 15, 2021. A voracious reader and brilliant analyst, Chestalene believed deeply in the value of research and knowledge and dedicated her professional life to increasing access those resources. She was a gracious and talented host, and was much loved for her generous hospitality, gourmet cooking and baking, and remarkable Halloween and Mardi Gras parties.

Chestalene was born in a small town in Oklahoma where she grew up on a farm and attended a two-room schoolhouse initially. She was Valedictorian of her high school graduating class and received a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma. She later transferred to Northern Illinois University where she graduated in 1969 with a degree in English. Chestalene received her Master of Library and Information Science Degree in 1981 from the University of Texas at Austin and served as the head of the Geology Library from 1982 to 1984. She had a great rapport with the faculty and students there and helped build an outstanding collection.

In 1985, she moved to Sarasota, Florida where she founded and led the Ann Marbut Environmental Library and initiated online search service for the Sarasota County Library System. Chestalene's last professional move was to The University of Arizona in 1989 as a Science-Engineering Librarian covering many areas including geosciences, atmospheric sciences and climate change, physics, materials science and engineering, systems engineering, and the Tree-Ring Lab.

During her time at the University of Arizona, Chestalene broadened her areas of expertise to include facilitation, assessment, quality management, and project management, ultimately becoming the Director of Project Management and Assessment for the UA Libraries. She was active in faculty governance and served as Chair of the Library Faculty several times, as well as serving on the University's Strategic Planning and Budgeting Committee, the Research Policy Committee, the Accreditation Review Committee, and in the University Faculty Senate. Chestalene published widely and made many presentations at both national and international conferences on science librarianship, team and organizational management, library assessment, and quality control in libraries.

Chestalene enjoyed traveling widely with her life partner, Douglas Jones. Over more than two decades, they explored both coasts, made numerous trips to Hawaii, and most recently travelled to Budapest, Vienna and Paris. She loved different types of music including Rock & Roll—especially the Rolling Stones, traditional Hawaiian music—especially The Brothers Cazimero, and Cajun & Zydeco. Her extensive love of cuisines of the world led her to read extensively and watch videos of food and culture on all continents but especially France and the Mediterranean. She will be deeply missed by her loving partner, her adopted family of grown children and their spouses, four grandchildren, and many life-long friends and colleagues.

A celebration of her life will be held later this year when it is safe to gather. In memory of Chestalene, please consider a donation to one of the charities she actively supported: Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Gospel Rescue Mission, or Youth On Their Own. Arrangements by DESERT ROSE HEATHER.

ROMERO, Frank

A proud U.S. Marine,

Inactive, has fallen.

Frank Ernest Romero, 58, died unexpectedly February 11, 2021 in Tucson following surgery. Left to mourn is the love of his life, Candee Condray, beloved wife and best friend for 25 years, business partner and collaborator in all things festive.

He loved strongly and stalwartly, not necessarily in this order: his family; the U.S. Marine Corps; his country, his dogs Logan, Billie and Wick (all over indulged and under trained, characteristics he never acknowledged;) beaches; the Pittsburgh Steelers; Broadway musicals; Elvis; and all kinds of music 24/7. He relished sharp shoes and watches and, something of a dandy, color-coordinated them daily with his clothes. His dancing was more enthusiastic than skillful. He kept his vehicles tricked out and shiny. He liked to support local painters and other artists and everybody he met was his instant best friend. He filled every room and into the horizon with joy and laughter. He ended almost every phone conversation with friends and family with, "Love you." Frank loved life and lived it with gusto.

He treasured a cup of freshly ground coffee every morning, appreciated a big T-bone steak and chocolate cake, but thought salad was overrated. He preferred shrimp tacos but never met a taco of any kind he didn't like. He had a verdant green thumb and used it in his home garden and his small business Greenjeans Landscaping. He was a world-class gift giver, everything from homemade salsa (which Candee made with chili peppers he grew) to lavish gifts carefully chosen. He especially liked choosing gifts for his great-granddaughter Athena Flowers, for his wife and for himself.

Frank was a proud graduate of Pima Community College but proudest of all for his twelve years' active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. He followed a family tradition of military service: father, two brothers and currently his grandson Nikolas Romero in the U.S. Airforce. After Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Frank served in multiple locations: Hawaii, Philippines, South Africa, Japan and Afghanistan. While stationed in Australia, he claimed to be part of a bar fight so spectacular it resulted in the expulsion of the entire Fifth Fleet from that country.

Other survivors include: daughters, Angela M. Romero and Stephanie M. Garcia; stepdaughter, Robin L. Waite; parents, Julia Romero and Robert Romero; siblings, JoAnn Romero, Robert Romero, Jr. and Alex Romero; grandchildren, Nikolas Romero (fiancé Gabriel Marquez,) Destiny Federico, William Condray, Jr., Rebecca Condray, Boone Waite (spouse Samantha,) Kristopher Condray, Rachel Rallo (spouse Seth) and Abel Garcia; nieces and nephews, sister-in-law, Connie Cronley and his best friends from childhood, Tony and Mari Figueroa.

Generous even into death, Frank was a designated organ donor. He would want people to remember him by voting in every election and respecting and honoring all men and women serving in the armed forces (except perhaps the Navy.)

A memorial service with military honors will be held at a later date, to be announced. Donations in his honor are recommended for Tucson's Youth on Their Own, Pima County Humane Society, or other charities helping youth and animals. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

SLY, Billy Vernon

85, died unexpectedly at his home December 14, 2020. Bill was born in Lewis County, Missouri to Charles H. and Lucile (Lay) Sly. In 1958 he married Edith M. Hustad. She survives. He is also survived by his children, Nancy Johnston and Thomas Sly (Debra) and by his grandsons, Andrew and Daniel Sainz and great-granddaughter, Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his parents and two daughters, Diane Sly and Susan Sly.

Bill made the United States Air Force his career, rising to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He served from 1954 through 1974 and had duty tours outside the United States in France, England, Ethiopia and Thailand. Bill was a member of VFW Post 549.

A private memorial service will be held at Arizona Veteran's Cemetery, Marana, AZ. Arrangements by ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL.

STANLEY, Ben R.

On February 5, 2021 our cowboy rode away. Ben Stanley born February 2, 1926 in Dill City, OK passed away peacefully at his home in Tucson, AZ at the ripe age of 95.

Here is a little more about the cowboy we will miss…

In 1947, Ben met the love of his life, Dora Andrade, on a blind date in Phoenix, AZ. That date turned into a few more and the two were eventually married and celebrated 68 years together before Dora's passing in 2014. During their marriage they traveled throughout California, Oregon and Arizona, welcomed two daughters, Karen and Nancy and resided in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ.

Ben joined the United States Marine Corps and served on the Battleship USS North Carolina during WWII. He eventually travelled back to the ship and participated in a documentary highlighting he and his fellow Marine Corps members' experiences during their service.

Once Ben left the Marine Corps, he became an electrical lineman for APS and retired after 35 years of service. But Ben was never truly retired. He had a myriad of hobbies including travel, rock hunting, and jewelry making, but nothing pleased him more than trimming trees and being outside.

Ben's strong faith led him to his church community at Pantano Baptist Church where he looked forward to his weekly Bible study, Glenn's Den and volunteer work.

Those of us who know this cowboy will remember how he would start every meal with a dash of salt to "start his heart" and end his day with a "snort". Ben was always full of stories and good humor and would always work on the daily crossword.

Ben is survived by his daughters, Karen and Nancy; grandchildren, Sabrina, Nicole and Matt (Jesse) and great-grandchildren, Juliet, Kaden and Benny. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dora (2014).

The family would like to thank the Staff at Sierra Del Sol Assisted Living for their outstanding care and support to Ben and his family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends to attend. Donations in his memory may be made to Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona (mobilemealssoaz.org) or 4803 E 5th St. #209, Tucson, AZ 85711. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.

SWINGLE, Jo Ann Amos

Jo Ann Amos Swingle was born in Tucson, Arizona on January 28, 1931 and passed away on January 10, 2021 just a few weeks shy of her 90th Birthday. "Joby" as she was known to her friends and family was a true Tucson Native spending her entire life in "The Old Pueblo". She shared marvelous stories of Tucson adventures during her childhood. Her insatiable curiosity led her to a lifelong love of education, graduating from Tucson High School, attending her beloved Smith College and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, and continuing (while raising a family) to earn a Masters of Arts Degree and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Arizona. She had close ties to the Tucson Creative Dance Center with Barbara Mettler and the Tucson Community School where she was also a teacher while pursuing her education. Joby had a passion and talent for gardening which led to a new career later in life owning and operating The Container Gardening Store in the Joesler adobe on River and Campbell. During her lifetime Joby enjoyed traveling and experiencing unique places around the world. Joby will be remembered and admired for her creativity and artistic talents, her love of the Arts, her vast knowledge of Arizona History, her enthusiasm for reading, her independent spirit, her taste for fine dining, and her gift of entertaining and the wonderful parties she hosted for friends and family. As a family, we cherish those memories of being gathered together in her beautiful home and gardens celebrating holidays, family and life! Joby was preceded in death by her parents, George H. and Edna S. Amos, her brother George H. Amos, Jr. (Buddy) and her loving husband, Roy C. Swingle. She is survived by her children, Thomas Swingle (Toyoko), Patrick Swingle (Carol), Elizabeth Frederiksen, Catherine Wolfson (Mark) and stepchildren, Jan Amator (Fred), Spencer Swingle (Carmen) and Kathy Olson (Dale); grandchildren, Brian and Gary Swingle, Andrea Amator Lee, Clint and Clifford Amator, Seiji and Masashi Swingle, Kayla Swingle, Michaela and Marlee Thompson and Ryan and Mia Wolfson, as well as many great- grandchildren. We look forward to Celebrating Joby's Life when we can all be together again. To honor Joby, donations can be made to Tucson Community School: https://www.tucsoncommunityschool.org/. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

THORSON, Keith R.

Keith passed away on February 10, 2021 after 95 years of a family and music-filled life. He is survived by his wife, Martha; sons, Keith Jr. (Joy), Steven (Kristin); his daughter, Jana (Foster); stepsons, David (Fran), Frank (Carolyn) and an extended family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded by his 1st wife, DeeJay; brother and sister. Born in Crookston, MN, he served in the US Army, graduated from the University of Minnesota, then served in the US Air Force. He retired as a Hughes Aircraft aerospace engineer. He loved music, and his interests included theatre, barbershop, choir, and performing locally in various big band, jazz, and Dixieland ensembles. A celebration of life will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities - Habitat for Humanity or the Interfaith Community Services of Tucson.

TWEEDY, Diane

A career elementary school art educator and avid gardener, passed away on January 2, 2021 at the age of 87.

Diane is survived by her children, Bob (Katie) and Ann; three grandchildren, Maggie, Susie and Ben and by her brother, Ed Krejci of South Carolina. She is predeceased by her former husband, John H. Tweedy and her brother, Bill Krejci.

Diane was born on June 4, 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Edwin and Stella Krecji. She grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm where she developed a love for music, art, and a work ethic that took her to a 30-year career as an art teacher in the Tucson Unified School District, most of which was spent at Peter Howell Elementary School.

Following her teaching retirement, Diane's artistic ways spilled over into gardening, specifically irises, roses, and butterfly plants. She could be seen nurturing her iris garden that boasted over 60 blooming flowers each year for all to enjoy. She was a member of the Tucson Area Iris Society (TAIS) and, in 2014, earned the title of Pima County Master Gardener.

In her final days, Diane was blessed to have eight Monarch caterpillars in her certified North American Butterfly Garden (NABA). Her face would light up with the news of her garden visitors! When we see a Monarch butterfly, we will think of her fondly. Master Teacher and Master Gardener.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Diane's love of gardening to either the Tucson Area Iris Society or the Pima County Master Gardeners Cooperative Extension, in her name. Arrangements by NEPTUNE SOCIETY.

VERDUGO, Jeffrey W.

78, born in Tucson, AZ on October 27, 1946. He passed on February 8, 2021. Preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Norma Verdugo. He is survived by his loving wife, Eleanor T. Verdugo of 52 years. His children, Gunther, Erica and Nicholas; seven grandchildren and brothers, Herman and Eric. He worked 33 years as a supervisor for the City of Tucson Water Department. He served three years in the Vietnam War. Services will be on Friday, February 26, 2021. Rosary will be held at CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, South Chapel at 9:00 a.m., Mass at St. Ambrose Church at 10:30 a.m.

WHITEMAN, Carol DuVal

98, passed away on January 29, 2021, at her home in Phoenix.

Carol was an honored playwright, published poet, theater entrepreneur, philanthropist and, when married to Dr. Merlin K. DuVal, a driving force in the recruitment of the founding faculty at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. While serving on the state art's commission, she met and subsequently married fellow Art's Commission member Jack Whiteman with whom she had some of the happiest years of her life.

Carol lived in a home near Phoenix Mountain Park. Her daily ritual began opening the curtains, looking at the mountains and declaring, "that's fabulous" often followed by surveys of the clouds, and, later in the day, periods of silence when, as the unofficial gardener, she faithfully tended to the Arizona sky and its magnificent orange-red blossoms.

Carol was born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1922, grew up in Montclair, New Jersey and later received her degree from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY.

Carol started her professional life in the 40's as a clothing designer in New York and was one of the first to design maternity clothing. However, what called to her most fervently were the arts.

She had a love of the stage. In 1966, she became one of the founders of the Arizona Civic Theater, which in subsequent years became the Arizona Theater Company. If her love was for the theater, her passion was the ballet; she was credited as being one of the three saviors of Ballet Arizona some years ago when it was facing collapse.

Always active in the arts, Carol was the author of play called Katsina, which was based on Hopi traditions. It won the national "L. Arnold Weissberger award for excellence in playwriting and the Quarterly Review of Literature's International Poetry Competition; there were more than a dozen others. Among them were The Governor's Award from The Arizona State Commission on the Arts as Philanthropist of the Year while Phoenix's Childsplay created The Carol Whiteman Conservatory. Carol was a published poet - as was her father - and the University of Arizona Poetry Center honored her by creating the Carol D Whiteman Wall of Poets. She was a member of Tucson Community Center Commission from 1969 to 1972- and was one of the commissioners responsible for the building of the complex downtown.

For all her achievements, her most passionate energies were invested into her family in which she took great pride. She is succeeded by three children, David, Barbara and Fred; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and her very best friend, a street cat named Hoover with whom she has shared many secret; he particularly enjoyed readings from a book of Carol's poetry called Catnip.

Due to the virus, a memorial service will not be held and donations should be made to Arizona Ballet or to Childsplay.

Some years ago, Carol was knighted "Queen of the Arts," by the Phoenix New Times. She was indeed a champion of the arts.

And the art of life.

ZAGONA, Salvatore Vincent

Salvatore Vincent Zagona, age 100, passed away on February 7, 2021, of natural causes, after a century of life and illustrious accomplishment. He was born to Nicasio and Antoinette Zagona on July 27, 1920. After a childhood in Brooklyn and Syracuse, New York, Salvatore attended City College of New York while working as a purchasing agent for the Army at Ft. Totten, on Long Island. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942, and, after training, served on LST-549 in the Pacific. He saw action in New Guinea, Morotai, and the Philippines, including the landings in Leyte Gulf. While navigating his ship he discovered and named Helen Reef, in honor of his sister. After the war he came to Tucson, where his father was operating a small Italian restaurant, and after briefly working as a proofreader for the Star he leased and later bought that restaurant, Caruso's on 4th Avenue. He also enrolled at the University of Arizona, where he met Thordis "Teddy" Aas. They were married in 1948 and raised six children while Salvatore operated the restaurant and earned a PhD. in psychology. He went on to a full professorship at the U of A, teaching psychology for 25 years and leading a major study on smoking and health, all the while expanding and improving Caruso's. He seemed to be many places at once during those years, home for dinner daily and taking the family on frequent picnics and outings and enjoying a round of golf at least twice a week. He loved family, music (especially opera), language, the Sonoran Desert, and good food, and brought energy, wit, and charm to all of his endeavors. He was predeceased by Teddy, his wife of 68 years, and by his siblings, Rose, Vincent, Anna, Edith and Helen. He is survived by his daughters, Helen Zagona, Edith Zagona (Joseph Prizio), Karen Zagona (Heles Contreras), and Miriam Zagona (Robert McLaughlin); sons, Eric Zagona and Salvatore Zagona Jr.; grandchildren, Caterina Zagona-Prizio and Eugene Zagona and nieces, grand- and great-grand-nieces and nephews, as well as innumerable students, employees, academic and business colleagues, friends, and admirers. He felt his greatest legacy to be Caruso's Restaurant, which will continue to serve Tucsonans under the guidance of grandniece Andrea Motzkin with Salvatore Jr. and Jennifer McDaniel.

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A celebration of his life will be scheduled later this spring. We wish to thank EVERGREEN MORTUARY for arrangements and where memories and condolences can be sent.