Arnold A. Verdugo passed away peacefully on August 20, 2021, surrounded by his family. Arnold was born on December 12, 1941, in Miami, AZ. He enlisted in the Army in 1959 and was a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and was proud to be a soldier. He lived most of his life on Madison St., which is fondly known as The Shop where everyone was welcomed and treated like family. The shop was where Arnold worked on his sheet metal jobs and where he was the happiest at. Sheet metal was a labor of love and most jobs he didn’t charge for his time because it was his passion and he loved making people happy, especially his family and friends. His favorite memories were of working beside his father in Mammoth, AZ and helping Uncle John build his cabin and rental homes. He loved driving and being the road guide to his passengers and telling them AZ history and showing them places they have never heard of. Another big part of his life was Patriotism, he bled Red, White and Blue and made sure to pass that love of country to his kids and grandkids. When Arnold wasn’t doing sheet metal jobs, he was watching his beloved Green Bay Packers and, in those days, he bled green and yellow! When Arnold’s mom needed a caregiver, he dropped everything and moved in with her. He always saw the best in everyone and treated strangers like family. Arnold lived a simple life and enjoyed the little things in life like playing board games with his grandkids and telling them stories about his past. He also loved scratching his lottery tickets nightly while nibbling on his candies!
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Hortencia Verdugo, Brothers Larry and Bobby Verdugo. Arnold is survived by his son Arnold (Joanna), Harold (Eva), daughter Michelle (Richard), sister Linda Ramirez (Carlos), brothers Jaime and Rudy (Mary), 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 2 more on the way. Many other beloved family and friends.
A visitation will be held on September 3, 2021, from 10:00am to 11:00am with a Mass immediately following at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th St., Phoenix. Burial to follow at Resthaven Cemetery, 4310 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Diane Olea
Arnold will be dearly missed . I’m going to miss his beautiful smile and laugh. I miss having fun working at the shop. Arnold did teach me pacencia over the years. RIP Arnold. Always friends Diane
Bruce Moore
Arnold was a great mentor for myself and many others in the sheet metal trade. It seems like yesterday we were working together at SMP. Arnold was always in a good mood and had a great attitude towards life. He will be missed. R.I.P. Arnold
Cynthia Chacon
Condolences to the Verdugo Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
The Chacon Family
Antonio Soto Jr
To Arnold and family. He was a good friend to my Dad and Tio Jaime at T & J Steel while they had their shop on Madison. Take care and God bless
Tony Soto Jr.