Federico “Fred” Escobedo, 89, of Maricopa, Arizona, passed away Oct. 10, at his home with his family near. He was born May 17, 1929, in Solomonville to Tomas C. & Maria Franco Escobedo.
Growing up, he lived in Solomon, Glenbar, and Safford. He was a natural all-around high school athlete, especially basketball. He later got into boxing and would have gone into it as a career but, chose to marry Julia over boxing.
In 1949, Fred married Julia Pedregon and the couple was blessed with six children; JoAnn, Nancy, Julia, Freida, Nora, and Federico.
In 1949, he joined the National Guard to serve his country. He belonged to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where he served in the Knights of Columbus. Fred was very spiritual, always praying for others.
Fred owned or rented farmland around Arizona, farming mainly cotton, and in 1964 bought the Ritz bar. He was personable and friendly, making friends easily. He loved watching football and boxing on TV.
In 1967, the family moved to Glendale, living there for 51 years. Fred sold life insurance for several years and made life-long friendships, but Fred had farming in his blood. He decided to farm again in Queen Creek and Aguila Valley. Eventually, he got out of farming and established his own Fred’s Tires & Battery business, which lasted more than 25 years until he retired in 2015.
Fred was a true family man, taking his family on vacations or visiting relatives in and out of town. Fred will always be our pillar of strength and our hero. As Fred would say, I’ll see you “good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.”
Fred is survived by the love of his life Julia; children JoAnn Escobedo (Jon Tatum), Nancy Colon, Julie Escobedo (Will Maciolek), Freida Haller, Nora James (Randy), and Federico T Escobedo; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sister, Jessie Formica, and youngest brother, Albert Escobedo.
Fred was preceded in death by three brothers, two sisters and one granddaughter.
Services will be held Friday, Oct. 19, at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, beginning with a viewing and visitation at 8 a.m. followed by the Rosary being led at 9 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial starting at 10 a.m., with Rev. Father Nicodemus Shaghell, VC as Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Safford Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mcdougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
