George Richard Faccio

George Richard Faccio, age 82, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016. He was born on January 21, 1934 in Tucson to Cayetano and Dolores Faccio. He graduated from Tucson High School and had an accomplished career, as an electrician, that spanned 5 decades and took him to projects located in much of the southwestern United States. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and had a distinguished career while stationed at the U.S. Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1956. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 570. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion John P. Burns Post number 36 and the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.

He had numerous hobbies and interests, but was most passionate for hunting and the outdoors. The Fall season was arguably his favorite, due to his love for hunting deer and the start of the football season. A wonderfully gifted athlete, he was an avid golfer and had a keen interest in modern art and the artists of that period. Covering the walls of his home are a multitude of reproduction oil paintings by the artists Modigliani, Renoir, Picasso, Braque, Metzinger, Rivera, Van Gogh, Degas, and Duchamp. A talented artist in his own right, he demonstrated a love for creating and collecting silver and turquoise jewelry and ceramic sculptures. While not a serious cook, at least once a year, he could be counted on to bake dozens of cookies (his own recipe) for his grandchildren and family. He had an extensive album collection of 33 LP records that reflected his love for 1960’s bossa nova, operas, and operettas.

Ever present was his love for life and an infectious joy that lifted the spirits of all who were blessed to know him. Throughout his life, George was courageous, humble, and extremely gracious whenever he interacted with family, friends, and strangers alike. He will be missed, but he will never be far from the thoughts of family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marcia C. Faccio; four children, George Richard Jr. (Rachel) of Tucson, Rodrick Alexander (Mishelle) of Los Angeles, David Anthony (Lisa) of Tempe, and Yvette Marie of Kearney, Nebraska; grandchildren, Daniel Michael, Clairesse Ciera, Anjolie Monique, Christopher Robert, Santino Cristiani Alexander, Isabella Ai-Ni, Mikel Anthony, Alexia Grace, Alisia Annette, Zachary Aaron, and Jenna Marie; great grandchildren, Lua Belle, Parker Maxwell, Miley Marie, and Mia Rose; sisters, Betty, Dolores, and Sandra; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In celebration of the inspiring life of George Faccio, the Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m., and a funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. (reception to follow), Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Saint Odilia Catholic Church, 7570 North Paseo Del Norte, Tucson, Arizona, 85704; phone: (520) 297-7271. Immediately following the Mass, there will be a reception in celebration of George’s life, at St. Odilia Catholic Church Youth Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital