Louis Rodriguez Baldenegro

Our beloved father and Papa, Louis R. Baldenegro, 90, of Tempe, passed away December 3, 2020. He was surrounded by those he loved and entered into rest peacefully at his home. Louie was born on August 26, 1930 in Chandler, Arizona. He graduated from Chandler High School where he was part of the historic 1949 State Championship Football Team. After graduation he married the love of his life, Virginia Molina. Shortly after marriage in 1951, he joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served as Staff Sergeant during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. He was part of the 6001st Special Investigation Sq and worked in the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), he served 4 years duty and returned back to Arizona where he enrolled at Arizona State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Minor in Spanish, this began his lifelong love of being an ASU Sun Devil. He never missed a football game and lived and breathed Maroon and Gold.

While attending College, Louie worked for Bashas Grocery Store and later for Holsum Bakery where he retired to enter into his own business in the medical field. When Louie retired from the medical business, he traveled with Virginia enjoying their retirement which included many trips to Las Vegas. Louie came out of retirement in 1995 to work for America West Airlines/American Airlines, working at Corporate Headquarters in security. He loved working for the Airlines and made many friends, his career at the airline lasted 20 years until he finally retired at the age of 86. Louie enjoyed life and travel and lit up when surrounded by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a wicked sense of humor and those who knew him genuinely loved him.

Louie’s family extends their deepest and heartfelt gratitude to the Savior Hospice Team for their loving care and support of him and his family these last few months. We, along with Lou, are sincerely grateful for each of you.

Louie was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Virginia, and their infant son. He is survived by his children Louis F., Rene’ Joiner (Larry), Michelle Asaro (John), Patricia Leboda (Blake), Grandchildren, Rocco Baldenegro, Angela Baldenegro, Marco Baldenegro, Robert Cobo, Gina Baldenegro, Lisa Biscotti (Dominick), Mist Nink (Ryan), Kimberly Joiner, Nicole Joiner, Darcie Bontems (Ryan), John Asaro (Erin), Michael Asaro, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. We will miss our dad and papa whose example of unconditional commitment and love of family will forever be a lasting legacy to us.

A visitation will be held Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 5:00PM -7:00PM, rosary at 7:00PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, December 11, 2020 at 10:00AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ, Burial to follow at Green Acres Cemetery.