Obituary of Mario Raul Maza Sr.

 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mario Raul Maza Sr. on March 17, 2024 at 91 year old. Mario was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dollie Salazar Maza and daughter Celia Marguerite Maza. He is survived by 5 Children, plus many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. His name will carry on with 3 remaining generations. He was born and raised in Douglas, AZ with 5 siblings. He met Dollie, the future love of his life, at a High School church dance. They reunited at Arizona State University where their story continued. Upon graduation in 1955, Mario entered the USAF as a Commissioned Officer and served for 20 years. They were lifelong ASU Sun Devils fans and to his demise, his children and grandchildren were UofA Wildcats and we shared a fun rivalry. On July 23, 1955, in Benson, AZ, Mario and Dollie were married and their love lasted for 67 years. He retired as a USAF Major, Veteran and Vietnam War survivor.  Mario and Dollie built a home that was always open as a place of love, support and celebration. They loved their family and friends with no limits. Our life lessons may not be the same but our lessons learned will continue to move forward with each of us. Mario never slowed down after retiring. He was an entrepreneur, owner of several properties and a business owner of two Baskin-Robbins where he took great pride in sharing with young adults about values and life skills. For fun, Mario acquired a Commercial Hot Air Balloon license and was the proud owner/pilot of the balloons named the "Tin Man",  "Potted Palm" and "Arriba Ire' I & II”. To say the least, he would help anyone that asked.  We inherited Mario and Dollies, and all the generations before them, our Mexican ingenuity as each one of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is unique and talented. Mario always instilled with any projects, "If you are going to do something, do it right"! You are loved and missed. Until we meet again - ARRIBA IRE'. A special thanks to: Pepe's House-TMC Hospice for their special care, Allan Nibert, Funeral Director at Brings Funeral Home, Southwest Institute for Bio-Advancement for helping us keep Marios wishes to donate his body for Education and Research. Visitation and Rosary on Monday, April 29 from 5-7pm with Rosary at 6pm at St Pius X, 1800 N Camino Pio Decimo, Tucson AZ. Catholic Mass on Tuesday, April 30 at 10am at St Pius X, 1800 N Camino Pio Decimo,Tucson AZ. Burial at Our Lady of the Desert Cemetery, 2151 S Avenida Los Reyes, Tucson, AZ.  Celebration of Life at Elks Lodge East, 615 S Pantano Rd, Tucson, AZ to arrive approx 1pm.