Guillermo “Willie” Jiron Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. He was born in Columbus, New Mexico to Jose and Esther Jiron on May 17, 1931. He was raised in Casas Grande, Chihuahua, Mexico alongside his siblings, Ramon, Irma, Fausto and Oscar. He met and fell in love with his wife of 50 years, Manuela in Corcoran, California. Together they began their family of seven in Toppenish, Washington, eventually settling in Phoenix, Arizona. In life he proudly established a career as a gardener for 30 years with the City of Phoenix. Simultaneously, he worked in professional baseball over the span of 3 decades as a grounds crew for the San Francisco Giants (Phoenix Giants) and Oakland Athletics. Willie was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Manuela “Nellie” and his three sons Jose, Jorge and Guillermo “Willie” Jiron Jr. He is survived by his daughters, Diana Jiron (Rita), Adela Jiron (Alfredo), Maria Jiron-Cano (Henry); his son, Marco Jiron (Dennise); daughter-in-law, Dena Jiron; 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 10:00am, with a Rosary at 9:15am and Funeral Mass at 10:00am, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 909 E. Washington Street, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Joe Valenzuela
I am very sorry for your loss . The little time that I knew your father was when Marco and I would visit with him. It was always a pleasure to talk to your father, even if it was a few minutes. I have always been taught to listen to are elders . To hear the stories of working with professional baseball players was a pleasure . My prayers go out to your family . Take care.
Margaret Ohmes
Dear Jiron and Cano family,
My deep sympathies to you for this loss of your father, grandfather, uncle, beloved family member. You are blessed by the legacy of love he has given all of you and I pray God’s peace will surround you and the sweet memories you have will comfort you. May God be near you now and in the days to come when your heart is missing “Willey”. My love and prayers,
Freddie Arvallo and Family
With sincere sadness in our hearts, We will always remember you. I am honored in life to have met you through your family. May they find peace and comfort during these sad moments. Vaya con Dios mi amigo.
Gilbert & Eric Hernandez
We send our condolences to all. Have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Charles Brennan
God bless you and your family.
Molly Vargas
My deepest condolences to the family You are in my prayers.