Dr. David Richard Ornelas

Dr. David Richard Ornelas of Tucson, AZ passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of 69. He was born on December 29, 1954, in Phoenix, AZ where he was raised with his three brothers. The grandson of renowned Tucson pharmacist Tito Flores, David graduated from The University of Arizona in 1991, earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He worked for twenty-five years, offering patient care in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.

David was actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous, chairing a weekly meeting and always willing to support those seeking guidance towards a life of sobriety. In April 2024, David was proud to receive his 10-year chip surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edward Ornelas, Conchita Ornelas, and Delfina Ornelas, Father-in-Law Carlos Castro, brother Tom Ornelas, and son Tito Ornelas.

He is survived by his wife Ana Lourdes Ornelas and their son David Ornelas Jr. As well as brothers Edward, Bob, Paul, and Mark; sisters Edna and Susan, daughter Sierra Teller Ornelas, son Michael Teller Ornelas, their mother Barbara Teller Ornelas, and step-children Jorge, Ariadna Noemi, and Juan Pablo. He was Tata to Javier, Conrad, Anna, Victoria, Sophia, VidaMia, Alex, Lindsay, Aron, Aina, Aliyah, and Jay Alexyan.

David was an avid reader and a proud Democrat, he often flipped between Arizona Wildcats basketball and a Rachel Maddow broadcast. David was quick to laugh, forgive, and help. He loved playing in Poker tournaments, going on road trips, enjoying live music, drinking coffee while reading the newspaper, and handing out popsicles to all the young ones in his life.

The family would like to thank everyone who reached out upon his passing to share a memory or a funny story about our David, who was always kind and generous to whomever crossed his path.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life memorial service at Noon on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712. Services will be followed by a 2pm Catholic Mass at St. Cyril of Alexandria Roman Catholic Parish, 4725 E Pima St, Tucson, AZ 85712