Rigoberto Almader

Rigoberto Almader, born July 11, 1932, passed away at the age of 88 on January 11, 2021 after a courageous battle with COVID19.

When he was approximately thirteen years old, he and his mother left the state of Jalisco in central Mexico. After they settled in Agua Prieta, Mexico, his two younger brothers joined them. Later they started a new life in the United States. He attended middle school in Douglas, AZ where he learned English. At the age of 18 he joined the Army, serving during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Arizona and worked as a copper miner for over 20 years. One of his proudest moments was becoming a United States citizen. He married Minerva Almader and together they raised five children: Minnie, Gloria, Rigoberto, Jr., Micaela and Ruben Antonio. Along with them he is survived by nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, his brother Jose Almader, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Rigoberto was spiritual, kind, compassionate and creative. He started to write poetry in his early thirties. Some of his favorite pastimes included hunting, camping and participating in target shooting contests. Rigo was passionate about life and wrote beautiful poems inspired by his faith in God. He leaves behind volumes of poetry, artwork, and walking sticks. Rigoberto also struggled with and worked to overcome mental illness.

Due to COVID 19, a private mass will be held at Santa Cruz Church on Saturday, January 23, 2021. Members from the American Legion Post 59 will lead a procession to South Lawn Cemetery at approximately at 11 A. M. Entrance to the cemetery will be at approximately 11:20 A. M. Please join us for either the procession or at the cemetery. We ask that you please stay safe near your vehicle as you salute our fallen solider. A service of celebration will be held sometime in the future.

A special thanks to our community of family, extended family, friends, caregivers, neighbors, Priest José Luis Ferroni Palacios, Chaplain at Veterans Administration Hospital, and American Legion Post 59.

Arrangements by Martinez Funeral Chapels.