Francisco Bustamante

Francisco "Pancho" Bustamante, 82 of Tucson, Arizona, passed away on December 3, 2025. Born on October 4, 1943 in Hemosillo, Mexico. He was a beloved father, tata, brother, father-in-law, brother-in-law, tio, godfather, neighbor and friend. Pancho graduated from Tucson High School in 1964. He participated and excelled in football and wrestling throughout his high-school years.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy (1965-1971) during the Vietnam War as an aircraft mechanic. He participated in boxing and wrestling during his enlistment. His decorated service helped shape him and he remained a proud veteran. As his occupation, Pancho provided the community with the long lost art form of creating neon signs for decades.

He truly enjoyed spending time with family and friends out on his land. He always had a passionate love for restoring classic cars, riding his motorcycles, and going to car shows and swap meets.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife Bertha, mother Socorro, sons James and Elvis, nephew Michael, and grandson Michael.

Those left to cherish his memory and legacy are his brother Jorge (Evelyn); his children, Isabel (Rafael), Frank Jr., Alfredo (Zenia), Celeste (Lex), Rudy (Marisela); his grandchildren, Antonio, Marco (Sommer), Nicolas, Daniel (Patsy), Alexandra, Ericca, Aliza (Martin), Laritza, Angelita, Ceslie (Brandon), Sene (Lika), Nick (Candace), Rudy Jr. (Madeline), Angelina, Julianna; his great grandchildren, Angelo, Julian, Analise, Malia, Daniel Jr., John, Izela, M.J., Benjamin, Tanielu, Lia, Sene Jr., Jerahmyah, Sienna, Carly-Rose, Charlotte, Nick III; his sister/brother-in-laws, Guadalupe (Jose), Irma (David), MaryHelen (Will), Robert (Rachel), and his many nieces, nephews, godchildren, neighbors, and friends.