Rito Guerra Sr., age 76, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on Friday June 19, 2020. Rito was born May 21, 1944 to Melquiades and Paquala (Hernandez) Guerra in Silver City, New Mexico. Rito grew up on a ranch in New Mexico as part of a large family including 9 brother and sisters. He is survived by his sister Esther and brother Henry, and preceded in death by 4 sisters, Nora, Alvina, Isabel, Clorinda, and 3 brothers, Mike, Gilbert, and Jimmy.
One trait that remained from Rito's childhood was that of being a hard worker. He worked for many years at Wholesome Bakery and his kids smile when they remember him bringing home bread and cookies from work. Rito also worked for many years at Bar-S Meat Packaging company, until he retired. Retirement was a hard adjustment for him, but it did allow him to spend more time on his passion for Chevys and Harleys.
Rito was a self taught mechanic who could build engines as well as do the body work and painting. It had been a passion for many years and he had developed great skill. Rito liked to include his children when working in his garage, where he would offer the reminder "if you spent more time in the shop, you'd know what you were doing". He inspired at least 2 of his children to follow his legacy of love for Harleys. Having come from a large family, Rito was open to having a large family himself and enjoyed the time he spent with them.
Rito is survived by a large extended family, among them his daughters Angie, Desiree, Angelique, and Erica; and sons Frankie, Norman, Davey, Ty, Dominic, Rito Jr., Melquiades "Daniel", Gilbert, Mario, and Anthony "Tony". He is survived by 2 siblings, numerous children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Rito had an outgoing personality that charmed people and drew them in, especially ladies. He will be remembered by many as a wild man, always ready to party. His life is the story of a wild ride, filled with hot rods, Harleys, and women; and family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
A visitation for Rito will be held Friday, June 26, 2020 beginning at 12:00 PM, until a celebration of life from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Time for visitation will continue following the services, until 5:00 PM; all at Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042.
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavencarrtenney.com for the Guerra family.
