Michael Cruz Pedrego

March 22, 1992 - June 6, 2017

Tuesday evening June 6th while at work, Michael C. Pedrego passed away suddenly and tragically at the age of 25.

Michael was preceded in death by his aunt Martina Francisco, his uncle George Francisco, his great aunt Lela Alonzo, and his uncle Richard Santa Cruz.

Michael is survived by his sons, Alex Pedrego and Michael Pedrego Jr. and their mother Kassandra Olvera of Tucson; his mother Maryetta Verdugo, and his step-father Ernesto of Tucson; his sister Annette Pedrego of Tucson, his maternal grandfather Gabriel Gutierrez Jr. and grandmother Jane of Woodbridge, VA; and his paternal grandmother Norma Pedrego of Tucson.

Michael was a 2011 graduate of South Gate Academy, Tucson. While in school, Michael excelled at cross-country, and forged lasting relationships with his teammates and coach.

At the time of his death, Michael was working towards his acceptance into the national guard, with the long-term goal of attending art school to study architecture. Michael’s interest in architecture stemmed from a lifelong passion for drawing.

Michael leaves behind several collections of original art that will be passed on to his sons. Although passionate about his art, his biggest dream was to watch his sons grow up.

Michael worked in the food and service industry for eight years.

The viewing will be at 12:00 p.m., Friday June 16th with the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Avenue, Tucson, AZ.

In loving memory of Michael C. Pedrego

For those of us who were fortunate enough to know Michael throughout his life, we will all quickly notice that one thing is clearly missing from Michael, as we pay our last respects.

His smile.

Michael had a smile that could light up an entire room.

From the first time we saw that cute brown mark on his face, until the last time we each saw Michael, his smile never changed. And our eyes will never forget it.

Michael was a young man, capable of the kindest acts, and observed by most to be extremely humble and modest. From the way he dressed, to the way he shared. Michael would literally give those in need, the shirt off of his back.

He enjoyed joking around with his step-father, Ernie, even earning himself a playful nick name when he would sleep in on his days off. Ernie would call him, “high-noon.”

Michael loved his parents very much. Maryetta and Ernie, were always quick to say how much Michael helped them out with any and everything they needed around the house.

And in return, they would do anything for Michael.

Michael had many friends, and touched many lives in his short time with us, but there was one person who Michael enjoyed spending time with over all others. His older sister Annette, or as he always called her, “sis.”

Not all siblings get along the way that Michael and Annette did. But all siblings should. Michael loved Annette. And he never had to ask her if she felt the same way.

Michael spent some summers with his grandparents, visiting Washington D.C., which he would describe as his favorite place to visit. Among all the tall monuments and buildings in our nation’s capital, Michael walked confidently, and stood proudly, as tall as the Washington monument.

And one day, Michael could have designed a monument like the ones he used to visit. Michael dreamed of attending art school and becoming an architect. He may not have gotten the chance to build monuments, but he definitely was able to build a beautiful home in each of our hearts.

Michael leaves behind two sons, Alex and Michael Jr., the center of his world. They will grow up to inherit Michael’s collections of drawings, our stories about Michael, and also our love for Michael, passed on to them.

Michael was a selfless individual, who asked very little of others, and was grateful for everything and everyone that came into his life. If we could grant him one last wish though, it would be to grant his only wish, which was to see his sons grow up, and the people they might become.

Michael will live on in our memories and our hearts, as he leaves us to join his family and loved ones that await him above. As we mourn his loss, and say our goodbyes, let’s honor Michael by brightening each room and each day, like only Michael could.

With a smile.