Tony Enciso

Nogales has lost its beloved mariachi, José Antonio "Tony" Enciso. With his heart-filled voice, Tony has sung us through the milestones of our lives-from baptisms to funerals and all of life in between. He is woven into our community fabric. Tony was born May 28, 1955, in Nogales, AZ, the third child of Fidel and Olga Enciso. Early on, his gifts were channeled into music, and by age 11, Tony was writing poetry and in love with the guitar. He was active in Nogales High School chorus and musical theater, playing the starring role in the NHS production of The King and I. He was student body president his senior year and graduated from NHS in 1973. After high school, he briefly attended St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, CA. For most of his adult life, Tony directed the music ministry of Sacred Heart Church, leading choirs that lifted voices and touched souls. For over 20 years, Tony also directed the Mariachi Plata of Nogales. A fixture in the community, the mariachi performed all over the state, in mariachi festivals, and even in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. To the musicians of the Mariachi Plata, Tony was "jefe," mentor, beloved father-figure, and cherished friend. To know Tony was to be the beneficiary of his boundless heart. He delighted in people. There was no task too small or too big when it came to helping others. Tony volunteered for the local senior center, entertaining the seniors with his music, and most recently, delivering meals for the homebound. He always had time to stop and say hello, to whistle across the street for a moment of connection, or to lend a compassionate ear. Tony nurtured a lifelong commitment to his spiritual growth. He rose early every morning for contemplative prayer. He was a man of depth and radical joy-even in the midst of life's sorrows. Tony died on November 25, 2021, in his home. He was predeceased by his parents, Fidel and Olga Enciso. He is survived by his wife, Gloria, by his three daughters: Czarina, Claudia, and Andrea; his siblings: Sergio (Patsy), Anna Sylvia (Alfonso), Mario (María), and Arturo (Laura); and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Tony was a tireless troubadour of love. Forever he will remain the mariachi of our hearts. Funeral services will be at Sacred Heart Church, Nogales, AZ, on Friday, December 10th, with Rosary at 1:30 PM, followed by Mass at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to Sacred Heart Parish, Nogales, AZ.