Fernando Guerrero passed away Saturday December 12, 2020. He was born August 29, 1929 to Pedro Warner Guerrero, and Rosaura Castro Guerrero in Mesa, Arizona.
He attended and graduated from Mesa High School, and Arizona State University. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at the Panama Canal working counter-intelligence.
While attending ASU he met Lucille Campos. They were married January 16, 1954 and shortly after settled in Mesa. They were married for over 60 years until Lucy passed away in 2014. They had three children, and the family spent much time together taking summer trips to San Diego, Yellowstone, and New York City. They also spent many summer days at the family cabin in Pinetop.
Fernando and Lucy had a large group of friends they enjoyed traveling with on many trips to Europe, the Far East and many ski trips to various resorts.
He was an avid gun collector and enjoyed his bird hunting trips with Dr. Richard Flynn, Hayden C. Hayden, Dave Workman, and Al Mendivil.
He was active in the sign industry throughout his business career. He served as President of the Arizona Sign Association and was recently inducted into its Hall of Fame. He retired as President of Guerrero-Lindsey Sign Company.
He was active in the community throughout his life as a member of the Mesa Jaycees, Mesa Baseline Rotary and the Mesa HoHoKams. He served terms in each organization as President.
He was a fan of all Arizona State Sun Devil athletics, and never missed a game, holding season tickets to Football, Basketball and Baseball.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lucy, His mother and father Rosaura and Pedro, his siblings Adolfo, Pete, Maria Jaimes, and Kathy Bradley. He is survived by his sister Herminia Stechnij, his three children Patricia Dircks (Chip), Fernando Guerrero Jr., Katherine Gruenewald (Warren), five grandchildren Jamie Smith (Brandon), Michael Guerrero (Adriana), Matthew Dircks (Krystal), Kaitlin Gruenewald (Logan), Garrett Gruenewald, and his four great grandchildren Kayla, Jayden and Adalyn Smith, and Remi Dircks.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the future.
I am still in disbelief! I was just starting to really enjoy getting to know my Tio again. We both loved a good red wine and decided we should get together and raise a glass every Friday for Happy Hour! He always had the best stories and photos of the familia that he loved to share!! I Love you Fernando and I am going to think of you with each glass of vino!! See you all on the other side one day! Wish I could have one more Hug!!
Gloria and I grew very fond of Sr. over the past few years! Having dinner and telling stories about each other’s lives. We laughed a lot and had a few good drinks together. He was a very caring and sentimental man and will be deeply missed!!
RIP our dear friend and we hope are resting in Lucy’s arms once again.
Ferdi was one of the nicest guys I have ever met, and feel lucky to call him a friend. Julie loved Lucy also, whenever they had a women’s event Julie and Lucy always sat with each other. And Gary, don’t forget the chili peppers he always carried with for adding a little kick to lunch and dinner. Our community and lives are at a loss without the two of them. Our best to the family, esp. JR and Mike.
Fernando, we are very sorry to hear about your Father. He and Lucy had a wonderful life. With his passing we certainly lose a part of Mesa’s history. My condolences to your entire family. Randy & Naomi Riggins
Ferdie was always so helpful, patient and nice to me when I was around/working with the HoHoKams. I always enjoyed seeing him. He will be missed by so many people. RIP, Fernando.
We are so sorry to hear of Fredie’s passing. He was a wonderful friend. We had many good times with him and Lucy. He will be sadly missed. Love to the family.
Very sorry to hear about Ferdie’s passing. He was such a loving & hospitable man. He was one of my mom’s favorite cousins & they called each other their twin. My heart goes out to his family because I know he is going to be greatly missed.
I am very saddened to learn of Ferdi’s passing- we had just started communication with email and a few phone calls. I was so happy when he contacted me last year and sent me old photos. My mother Leone was related to Ferdi’s father Pedro. I wish so much that i had been more available or taken initiative to call him more