Ernesto Parra Villicana

Ernesto Parra Villicana, age 87, of Phoenix, passed away on December 7, 2010, in the loving presence of his family. Ernesto had a quintuple heart by-pass in 2000, and for 11 years faced each succeeding battle with courage and determination. Ernesto was best known for his utmost responsibility, resourcefulness and kindness. Proud but humble, Ernesto was a man of few words and chose to walk his talk. The examples he set, particularly to his family, will never be forgotten.

Ernesto was born in San Gabriel, Ca., and was raised in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, with his mother, Rufina, his father, Roque, and his 6 siblings: Enrique, Wilfrido, Roberto, Rodolfo, Adolfo, Roque Jr, and Berta. He moved to Clifton, Az. as a young man where he worked for copper mining giant, Phelps Dodge Corporation (Freeport McMoran Corp.) for 36 year, primarily as a crane operator in the smelter division. Though his work was considered to be highly precise and dangerous, he was cited as not having had a single accident in all the years he worked for the company. He was a proud member of the Steelworkers of America, as he believed strongly in a union’s ability to advocate for worker’s rights. During his tenure at “P.D.”, he saw greatly improved working conditions and wages for Morenci/Clifton miners, a workforce which was primarily Mexican-American and saw social inequities, such as segregated bathrooms, became a thing of the past.

Ernesto married Hilda Moulinet of Douglas, Az in 1950 and both made their home in Clifton, Az where they had two children, Rebecca Villicana (Timothy McCluskey) and Ernest Jr. (Lupe Hipolito-Villicana). Ernesto helped raise Hilda’s son Antonio Lomas (Celia Lomas) and has a daughter, Ernestina, from a previous marriage. Ernesto and Hilda retired in 1983 after having survived a major labor clash and a devastating flood and moved to Phoenix, Az to join their children. Here, they helped raise their grandson, David Lubin, son of Rebecca Villicana, and spent many joyous times with them, their son Ernesto and his children, Lisette (Joshua Hill), Carlos and Elissa. Other grandchildren include Melissa Magallanez, Tony Lomas, Eddy Lomas and Monique Lomas.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Anthony Sandoval and Dr. Kenneth Levy and their staffs, as well as the dedicated doctors and nurses of John C. Lincoln Hospital, North Mountain.

His visitation will be at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary 7924 N. 59th Ave. Glendale, Az. 5-8PM with Rosary at 7PM. Friday December 10th, 2010.

His funeral service will be also at Chapel of the Chimes on Saturday, December 11th, 2010 at 11AM with interment following at West Resthaven Cemetery, 6450 W. Northern Ave. Glendale, Az.