Joseph Anthony Merenda Sr.

Joseph Anthony Merenda, Sr. passed away in his sleep at home on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 in Tucson, Arizona. He was born on December 27, 1927 to Gussippi and Josephine Merenda in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his wife, Armida(Amy), four children: Joseph Carolyn, Frank and Nancy. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Throughout his life, Joseph was a brilliant, caring, compassionate, loving and dedicated husband and father.

In 1946 he joined the United States Air Force. During his time in the military he was decorated with the WWII Victory Medal and the Japan Occupation Medal. In November, 1946, he was stationed in Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. On August 2, 1947 he married Armida Facio in Tucson, Arizona. He lived and worked in Tucson while supporting a family of six for 19 years before moving to California. During his 23 years in California he worked in the Aircraft Industry at McDonald Douglas in Long Beach as a aircraft mechanic. After retiring from Rohr Aircraft in 1990, he moved back to Tucson to begin his retirement phase of his life. To occupy his time he worked part time as a crossing guard for the Tucson Unified School District and as a volunteer for PCOA. His love of sports included playing golf and watching his favorite Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.

Services will be held Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 9:00am at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn (Mortuary/Chapel), and he will be interred in a family plot at South Lawn Cemetery, located at 5401 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. In lieu of flowers, please donate, in memory of Joseph A Merenda, Sr., to the Casa de la Luz Foundation. Address:7750 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, 85704.”