George S. Alcaraz

George S. Alcaraz, 65, of Blanca, CO, formerly of Avondale, passed away March 12, 2012 in Phoenix, AZ.  He was born February 22, 1947 in Avondale, AZ to Francisco and Florencia Sagasta Alcaraz.  He grew up in Avondale, attending Agua Fria Union High School before volunteering to serve his country in the United States Army.  He served a tour of duty as a helicopter gunner.  Upon his honorable discharge, he was a meat cutter at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.  George had a passion for serving military veterans, first serving as a commander for Disabled American Veteran’s Chapter 20 in Glendale and later becoming Arizona State Commander.  Upon marrying his wife Judy, they moved to Blanca, CO where he served as commander for V.F.W. post 6101.

Helping veterans was his passion.  He would go to the end of the world to help a veteran.  He loved fishing, traveling, attending VFW and DAV conventions, and shopping.  He was a very contentious, neat dresser.  His heart was huge.  He loved people and children and his grandchildren.  He will be missed by everyone he knew and he had so many friends everywhere he went.

George is survived by his wife Judy Alcaraz; 3 daughters Elizabeth Nandin, Rita Morton and Wynell Torres; 2 sisters, Theresa Garcia and Connie A. Sernas; 1 brother Andres Alcaraz; 4 grandchildren Benny and Abreanna Nandin and Jackson and Riley Morton; 6 nephews and 5 nieces.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for George takes place at 9:00am Monday, March 19th at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 539 E. La Pasada Blvd., Goodyear.  The rosary will begin at 10:00am and the mass starts at 10:30am.  Burial will follow at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ.