Vicente “ Wilo” Miranda Vasquez Jr, 89, born and raised in Glendale, Arizona entered into heaven on November 24, 2020 with his family by his side. Vicente was born on March 20, 1931 to Vicente Vasquez and Bertha Lugo Miranda, one of seven children.
Vicente grew up in Glendale helping his family who migrated to Arizona in the early 1900’s. He worked hard as a field worker to help his family established themselves as one of the first families in the Glendale. had an opportunity, (with the help of his brother, Jesus) in a career with "Capitol Foundry Co.) where he worked with iron for many years, with his brother and other friends. After many years of hard work, they both retired. Vicente met and married, his only love, Armida Diaz, who was known by her family and friends as "Baby". Together they raised five children
Vicente loved his family. He loved taking his children to a popular canal, where many would go in the summer just to get wet and cool off or at a park, where we could feed the birds and ducks, if there was a pond.
He loved Easter. The kids would wake up to color the refrigerated boiled eggs, when finished, they would be packed in their egg cartons, ready to take on that special trip, with his daughters wearing their frilly dresses and grabbing their colorful Easter baskets in hand. Vicente and the family loved Christmas and New Years time. There was lot of Tamales in every Latino home. At New Years time, we also enjoyed Menudo with lots of hot chiltepin, oregano, cilantro and onions.
Vicente loved getting up before the sun peeked out. He would set his alarm clock for 4:30 am. Within 15 minutes he was on a mission. He would exit his property through to back yard into the alley and walk down into his familiar alleyways. Along the way stopping to check out the discarded items that people would throw out. Sometimes he would find useful things, sometimes NOT. Along the way, when the sun broke through, he would see familiar faces, and he’d stop to say “Hello”, regardless, he would enjoy his excursions. If there was one day, in which, Vicente couldn't go out walking, that would truly disturb his psyche for twenty four hours. On returning home, he’d still look for things to do. Vicente would say that it was better to move around, that way, pain couldn’t set in. he kept busy trimming, and watering his trees, cleaning his house or fixing something. His biggest thrill was walking, until he neared his 88th Birthday. That’s when the City of Glendale put up gates at the end of the alleyways. That pretty much closed up his walking paths.
Vicente could fix some amazing lunches. His little house would smell so yummy, with his cooking creations. He would chop up and cook in a frying pan, a variety of veggies, like onions, jalapenos, tomatoes, and spices to create an explosion of aromatics in the air. He might usually finished his creation by adding chicken or beef to it. The best part of cooking was enjoying it.
After lunch, he'd wash his dishes and clean his kitchen spotless, then he would sit down in his living room to watch one favorite shows, "Caso Cerrado", on the Telemundo channel. He couldn’t miss this show, even though it was a re-run, to him, it was like a brand new episode.
At 4 or 5pm, he would wait for the news to start, on the same station. No one could bother him while watching these two shows. If anyone interrupted, he would stand up and walk right up to the Television screen and tune everyone out, HINT, HINT!
Dad’s routine wouldn’t end until he brushed his teeth. He used a regular tooth brush first and then an electric tooth brush, it took him a good 15 min, by the time he gargled with Listerine, then he would wash up and get ready for bed.
The next day would begin again with the alarm clock going off. The only way his day might be disturbed, was, if he had an upcoming doctor’s appointment, which he had quite a few, but, he could still find enjoyment in these days too. After doctor’s visits, we would take him out for either breakfast or lunch. He liked Denny’s, huge plates, especially with a bunch of Tabasco Sauce. He also loved Mexican restaurants. He would really enjoy a hot cup of coffee with his meal. He didn’t drink coffee at home, as it disturbed his sleep.
He will be Loved and missed terribly, but we know that he is healed now, walking the streets of Gold with the Lord, his brother’s, sister, parents and friends.
We thank God for honoring us by looking after him. We discovered his huge, sweet and gentle spirit. We learned that Dad was a praying man, a believer in his Lord and his creator. He showed his great FAITH.
Vicente leaves behind his five children - Julie V (Robert) Sapien, Ruben D. Vasquez, Mary Jenny Barron, Mary Alice Vasquez, and Gloria Vasquez; grandchildren – Steven V. (Maria Theresa Velazquez), Julian R., Andrew L. (Dianne), Jessica D. (Francisco) Tober, John David, Tony Valentino Sanchez, Patricia Sanchez, Trina Sanchez, Joe Barron Jr., Lisa B. Perez, Lina Barron, David Barron, Valerie B. (Angel Singh), Michael (Jules) Barron, Trina Sanchez Barron & (Jeremy Andrade), Stacey (Steve) Bundy, Blanca (Juan) Mendez, Julie Vasquez & Alfonso Polanco), Erica Vasquez & (Michael Betancourt), Jesse Pacheco, Anthony Pacheco, Daniel Pacheco, and Nathan Pacheco; 58 great grandchildren: four siblings – Malena Rodriquez, Jesus (Teresa) Vasquez, and George (Paula) Vasquez; eleven nieces and nephews – Bertha Duarte, Ray Rodriquez, Barbara R. Mundell, Maria Teresa Echerivel, Maria Antonia Baeza, George Vasquez Jr., Vicente Vasquez, Edward Vasquez, Marcos Vasquez, Melissa Vasquez, David Vasquez, Lisa L. Risch, Martin Lopez, and David Lopez ; ten great nieces and nephews, and ten great great nieces and nephews, and many many more extended and close family and friends.
Vicente is preceded by his mother Bertha Miranda Gonzales; father Vicente R. Vasquez Sr. and three siblings Alberto Vasquez, Manuel Vasquez, Gloria Lopez.
Rest in Peace Daddy, WE LOVE YOU!
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