Arnulfo "Arnie" G. Celaya Sr. passed away on October 28, 2023 at Banner - University Medical Center in Tucson. He was born on July 21, 1951 in Douglas, Arizona and was the last of six children of Mr. Francisco S. Celaya and Mrs. Josefina G. Celaya. Arnulfo grew up and attended school in Douglas, Arizona, worked at the Calvary Cemetery, and later as a mechanic for the City of Douglas. He moved to Tucson and lived there for 40 years.

He enjoyed the guitar and learned how to play by observing his father and friends during music time. Television played a large part in his musical interest, especially American Bandstand. One of his favorites was the theme song to "Peter Gunn," a private detective series. He especially enjoyed changing lyrics to make songs funny. He liked to sing his newly created songs while playing his guitar. Arnulfo enjoyed watching people having fun with his lyrical creations.

He loved pets, jokes, music, food, friendships, baseball, playing pool, hunting and working on cars. He also loved to dress up like Santa Claus and would volunteer his time by going into nursing homes and spreading Christmas cheer to all the residents. While dressed in his Santa Claus outfit, Arnulfo enjoyed giving out candy to children and taking pictures with them. Arnulfo also played guitar with a group and would perform at the El Pueblo Senior Center in Tucson, Arizona during community events.

Arnulfo is survived by his children Arnulfo "Yogi," Monica, Diane, Juanita, Sara, Nichol, Arnulfo "Sammy" Celaya and his grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Petra Celaya Durón, Celia Celaya Moreno, and Francisco G. Celaya and his numerous nieces and nephews. Arnulfo was preceded in death by his parents Mr. Francisco S. Celaya and Mrs. Josefina G. Celaya and his brothers Raul G. Celaya and Gilberto G. Celaya.

The Celaya Family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Banner - University Medical Center Tucson for the kindness and professionalism given to Arnulfo and his family during his time of need. Also, a special thank you is given to Brown Page Mortuary for the funeral services they provided. We truly appreciate all the family and friends who have shared their love and who will be joining the family to say farewell.

Visitation and viewing will be from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Brown Page Mortuary with a Holy Rosary following at 6:00 pm. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at St. Luke's Catholic Church with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Douglas, Arizona.

Pallbearers are Arnulfo "Yogi" F. Celaya, Francisco G. Celaya, Julio Celaya, Fabian Celaya, Braulio Celaya, Arnulfo "Sammy" Celaya, Isaiah Celaya Avilez and Fabian Pancho. Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Celaya Avilez and Enrique Durón Jr.