Charlie Valenzuela

It is with a heavy heart we share the passing of Charlie Valenzuela on March 10, 2026. He was a man with a great heart, full of love, generosity, and quiet strength, whose life touched so many in meaningful and lasting ways. He was preceded to heaven by his beloved mother Laura Leyva. He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores Valenzuela; their children Christina Valenzuela; Chanel Marquez (husband Jose); Charlie Valenzuela, and his two grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews.

He was a loving and supportive husband to Dolores and a great father to Christina, Chanel, and Charlie, who found his greatest joy in spending time with his family. He enjoyed music and dancing, tending to his yard, watching/playing sports, watching movies with family, and growing citrus that he generously shared with those he loved. He created moments filled with warmth, laughter, and deep connection.

As a young teen, he embraced life with energy and joy. He loved spending time with family and friends, caring for his pets, cruising Central, dancing at Arizona Bandstand, and babysitting his nieces. He often shared fun memories about growing up under the care of his mother Laura, Tata Charles Pacheco, brother Sonny Valenzuela, sister Rose Soto, and cuñado Charlie Soto. These early memories reflected the same kindness and devotion that would remain at the core of who he was throughout his life.

He proudly served his country after being drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. Following his honorable discharge, he reconnected with Dolores, the girl next door, and together they built a loving marriage, a beautiful home and a life rooted in love, partnership, and shared dreams.

A dedicated and hardworking provider, he spent his career at a communications cable plant, working under Mountain Bell, Western Electric, AT&T, and Lucent. He took great pride in his work and built strong cable, along with strong lifelong friendships with colleagues.

Together with his beloved wife, he raised three children, each of whom graduated from Arizona State University, an accomplishment that filled him with immense pride. A true Sun Devil father, he was known for flashing the pitchfork hand sign in greetings or striking the pose in photos, a symbol of both his playful spirit and his deep love for his family.

Though he traveled the world, he especially enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, where he created many cherished memories with his wife and family. No matter where life took him, his heart was always rooted in the people he loved most.

Known for his kind and giving heart, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a source of strength, comfort, and steady support to all who knew him. His presence brought reassurance, and his generosity left a lasting impact on countless lives.

He is deeply missed and will forever be remembered and loved.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Basilica and he was laid to rest at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona.