Obituary for Art Aranda

Art Aranda “Totts”, of Central, passed away at the age of 71 in Tucson on Dec. 23, 2019. Art was born in Solomon to Tomas and Maria Aranda but was raised by Petra and LaLo Gallegos, with many siblings; four on the Aranda side, eight on the Tartoglia side, and eight on the Pinon side.

Art attended Safford High School, graduating in 1967. He worked for the Arizona Department of Transportation and later retired as an equipment operator. He married Celia Ann Castro and the couple had three children, Tracy, Michelle, and Tomas. 

Art Aranda

Art enjoyed music, fishing, hunting, woodworking, and gardening. He had a big heart and was always there for you if you needed anything. Art often made friends with random strangers and would even take them in off the street just to feed them. Everyone always admired his thick black hair and his kind heart.

He is survived by his loving wife, Celia, and his children, Tracy (Ryan) Botkins, Michelle (Eric) Olver, and Tomas (Missy) Aranda; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild, Tatum Penelope Olver, and a pet squirrel that plays the guitar.

Art is preceded in death by his parents and multiple siblings.

Services for Art and his grandson Alexander Romero will be held Friday, Jan. 3, at the River Church, beginning at 11 a.m., with interment in the Central Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.