Michael S. Estrada

Michael Sebastian Estrada, 76, of Phoenix Arizona was born March 15, 1948, and joined his Jesus in Heaven on October 24, 2024, with his family by his side. Michael was born in Phoenix, the second of four children to Luis Estrada and Martha Valadez.

A Celebration of Life will be held at NPHX Church Saturday November 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel.

Michael grew up in Phoenix attending Granada school and graduating from Al Hambra High School in 1967. He continued his formal education and graduated from Arizona State University with his bachelor’s degree in computer science. Michael’s early career was in the computer field at Honeywell, Sperry Rand, and involved in the manufacturing of the Apache Helicopter.

It was in High School that Michael met his future wife, Mary Ann. They had both graduated from Al Hambra High School, met again later in life and fell in love. To this union a daughter was born, Tami Michelle Estrada.

Michael had a big heart and a bigger smile, both of which complemented his ability to make people laugh. His humor was infectious, and he was blessed with the ability to laugh at himself. He was the focus of many amusing true stories that will be told among family and friends forever. Michael will be remembered for his willingness to give of himself and his possessions to help people whenever and wherever he could. His kindness and compassion were evident in the way he carried and conducted himself.

Michael’s desire to help led him to his passion for mentoring and counseling young people. It was also evident in his position with the State of Arizona working with Arizona Correctional Industries teaching life skills to inmates. He worked with them on work details that helped them learn hands-on techniques like woodworking. He was involved in teaching, instructing and transportation. His work took him to prisons throughout the State of Arizona.

Michael was a devout Christian. He was a member of the NPHX Church for more than 30 years. Every Wednesday night you could find him at the church working with children of divorced parents. He volunteered with different ministries including a support group for divorced people. He traveled with a medical missionary group to Mexico where he worked with a team in surgeries for children.

One quiet ministry that Michael was proud of was as a blood donor. He donated 116 times, which reached more than 14 gallons. Many lives were saved due to his generosity as one pint of blood can save up to three lives.

Michael leaves behind his sisters Rebecca and Anna and his brother Tomas; his daughter Tami, her husband Brent and grandchildren Evelyn, Mitchell and Edward; nieces and nephews Gabriel, Daniel, Melissa and Melanie: and stepchildren Jim Miller and Christy Miller.

Michael was greeted in heaven by his parents Luis and Martha.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to NPHC Church at nphx.church, or vitalant.org either monetarily or by donating blood in his memory.