José María Burruel, beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away on October 11, 2021, at the age of 96 years. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was raised by his widowed mother Carmen. He attended local schools, but did not graduate from high school as he enlisted in the Navy to assist in the efforts of World War II. He was a proud submariner who was injured in the line of duty.
Upon returning, José enrolled at Arizona State College, now ASU, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and became a teacher. His career took him to Santa Monica, CA, and later he continued his studies at the University of Southern California where he earned a Master’s Degree in Education. His mantra was always “They can take away your car, they can take away your house, but they can never take away your education.” While teaching in Southern California, José began recruiting athletes to play at ASU including: Joe Caldwell, Mike Hopwood, Blake Taylor, Luis Zendejas. José returned to ASU where he earned a Doctorate in Education; the title of his dissertation being “Educational Administration and Supervision”. During these years José was appointed Assistant Dean of Students, the first Mexican American in this position. He was always an advocate for people, young and old, especially for those with civil rights/immigration/education matters. He was well versed in the laws of those issues and was respected for those qualities. He was appointed Director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights for the state of Arizona during this period. He never backed down when he knew he was right! Later in life he returned to ASU to study English which included teaching English 101 and studying Literature which included Shakespeare. He was absolutely enthralled with those subjects. Shortly thereafter, José began writing about the Mexican community in the early days of Scottsdale which resulted in the book MEXICANS IN SCOTTSDALE full of photos and interviews with the community. He also participated on the committee to restore the Old Adobe Mission which is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was built by the local Mexican community in the 1930s and later restored. José María Burruel’s impact on all of us will be long lasting. We will miss his warm, generous personality and love of life, family, and friends. José is survived by his wife Frances Ann, his children Arlene and Maureen, plus grandchildren and great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in José’s memory to the José and Frances Burruel Sun Devil Scholarship which will provide support for first-generation student athletes at ASU. (Make checks payable to the ASU Foundation, writing José & Frances Burruel Sun Devil Scholarship on the memo line. The mailing address is P.O. Box 872205, Tempe, AZ 85287).
The Celebration of Life for José will begin on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at the Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, with Visitation from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Rosary to follow. The Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Franciscan Renewal Center with Burial at St. Francis Cemetery to follow. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Stanley Schrupp
Jose’ will always be with me and Nelda. He always had time for us and a story or two. We wish him a peaceful journey.
Gloria Argueso
Frances,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on Jose’s passing. If there is anything I can be of help, please do not hesitate to call me.
May Jose Rest In Peace,
Gloria Argueso
Ronald Castro MD and Jacqueline McVay-Castro
we are truly saddened and heartbroken to learn of Jose’ demise. Jose and Frances have meant so much to the our Castro family over the many years, Damas de Valle family, and ASU family. our sincerest and deepest condolences to Frances and the extended Burrell family. Jose was a true gem to everyone he ever met or knew. Jose made any new acquaintance feel as if they had been long time best friends. I will truly miss my default Compadre Jose Burrell. Until we see each other again Jose at the Rapture, may you have eternal grace in knowing the world has been made a better place because of your presence.
JB Pena
We are blessed to have had Jose in our lives. He & Francis opened their home & hearts to many of the Heard Museum Indian Faire artists year after year. Heartfelt stories & laughter graced us all with sincere love & friendship. We will remember fondly these great times for many years… to the family we thank you & share with your loss. JB & Amado Pena
Elizabeth A Villa
Sending all of my love and condolences to the Burruel family. Jose was a very good friend to my father Felipe Garcia and will be dearly missed. I take comfort in knowing that Jose and my father are probably enjoying each other’s company once again.
God bless you Frances and family.
Elizabeth A. Villa
Yuliana Armenta
Thank you Jose for you contributions to Scottsdale Sister Cities Association. You certainly left a mark in the world and Rene and I are so lucky to have met you. The Burruel influence is still talked about in Alamos thanks to your dedication and generous heart.
Lo sentimos mucho Frances. Un abrazo para toda la familia.
Graham Rossini
On behalf of the Sun Devil Athletics family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burruel Family.
Sincerely,
Graham Rossini
Sr. Associate AD
Sun Devil Athletics
Kathleen Karol
So many memories of stories, jokes,mischiefs and celebrations! Jose welcomed one and all with warmth and generosity. He was a force of life and will be in many hearts forever. My deepest sympathy, Frances. We both can imagine what is going on with Jose and Joe!!
Prayers for you and all the family are being said and will continue for many moons. May God bring you peace in the coming days!
Love & hugs,
Dr. Kathleen Karol
Susan de Queljoe
Frances and family –
My heart is filled with sadness at your loss of Jose. I remember meeting him for the first time at a SVdP event. We sat and talked for a long time. He was a wonderful, warm and engaging man.
Sending my love,
Susan
Chaplain Ray Fritz
Dear Frances Ann, family and friends of Jose’s; on behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at Jose’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow “Bubblehead” leaves on Eternal Patrol. We are grateful for Jose’s service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our “Brother-of-the-Phin” we say, “Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas.” Thank you for your service to our country.
Frances Ann, … may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV
Rev. Ray Fritz National Chaplain USSVI.
Ria Davis aka Arlene
What words can. be said in addition to what has been written would be that José left behind 2 living daughters Ria Davis , Maureen Burruel and one daughter Christine Burruel deceased.
He also left 5 grandchildren Wendy Logsdon, Sasha Kergan, Joleah Davis, Shane Davis and grandson Robert Williams III deceased.
He left 7 great grandchildren , Chyna Popkin, Donovan Logsdon, Nolan Logsdon, Marina Logsdon, Trenton Talulah and Sage Doak.
Last but not least José left behind a great great granddaughter Nyomi Popkin
He will be dearly missed by all of of his offspring as well as many other family and friends.
Michael Rincon
My condolences to the family of Jose Maria Burruel. I admired Mr. Burruel from afar after coming across an article about him while I was doing family research and discovered we are distant relatives. What an amazing role model and mentor to those he knew and even those he did not know. My best wishes to his family and friends.
Barbara Nordlund
My condolences to Frances and Jose’s family. I was very saddened to hear of his passing. My heavy heart was
lifted a little by the fond memories I have of our Sister City work together and his happy welcoming smile at
all of the Sister City hospitality events at your home. May he rest in peace and all eternal light shine upon him.
My prayers are for comfort and peace for Frances who walked on his journey with him so beautifully and faithfully.