Albert E. Arellano

On the morning of September 5, 2016, Albert Eleazar Arellano passed away at home, surrounded by his wife and children. At 77, he had battled cancer for eight long years. Al was born in Durango, Colorado on September 12, 1938, the oldest of three siblings. At age 14, Al dropped out of school to join the US Army. Rejected, he returned to graduate from Durango High School in 57, Fort Lewis College in 59, University of Northern Colorado in 62, and the University of Arizona in 91. He held Master Degrees in both Teaching and Leadership Education. His passion and dedication towards education spanned 31 years, initially as a teacher at Pueblo High School (Department Head), and later as an Ombudsman at TUSD district office. However, for 16 of these 31 years, he served as a school board member and president with the Sunnyside School District. As a champion of education, on the State level he was selected as treasurer and president of the All Arizona School Board (AASB). Greater contributions led him to serve on the National School Board Association (NSBA) presidential task force in 92, where he represented Arizona at several NSBA conferences, and presented at both the Arizona School Board Association (ASBA) and NSBA conferences locally and nationally. Spare time gave way to fishing, hunting, golfing, and traveling to Show Low and Rocky Point. Of course, he spent most of his time with his family. He is survived by his wife Liva of 57 years, daughter Patricia (Ruben) DeAnda, daughter Diane Arellano, son Joseph (Margaret) Arellano, grand-daughter Christina Arellano, and faithful sidekick Peanut. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 10:30 a.m. All Services Entrusted to Martinez Funeral Chapels 2580 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85713