Jose Aparicio Montano, 96, of Douglas, AZ passed away on November 28 at Tucson Medical Center hospice after a short illness.

Jose was born on October 27, 1923.  He was born and grew up in Pirtleville and lived most of his adult life in Douglas.

He proudly served our nation in the Army Air Corps during WWII stationed in the Philippine Islands and Iwo Jima.  Following the war, he married his sweetheart Socorro Calderon.  Socorro and Jose settled briefly in Los Angeles before returning to Douglas. They had five children, Gloria, Richard, Arthur, Raymond and Steven. He was employed for many years at the Phelps Dodger Copper Smelter before retiring.

Jose had a love for life. He enjoyed his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved playing the guitar at home, family events, and played in the church choir at Immaculate Conception church for many years.  He enjoyed baseball and was a big Arizona Diamondbacks fan. Jose loved to dance and spend time with his friends at the senior center along with downing a few beers at the American Legion Post.

Jose is predeceased by his wife Socorro and son Arthur.  He is survived by his sister Virginia (Virgie) Monje, his children Gloria, Richard, Raymond and Steven; and his thirteen grandchildren, Joseph, Vincent, Anthony, Jason, Chris, Steven, Candace, Cynthia, Robert, Stephanie, Elizabeth, Brooke and Brittni. He is also survived by thirteen great grandchildren.

Visitation for Jose will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m.  A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Church.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fort Huachuca Honor Guard, the American Legion and VFW.  The family will receive friends at the American Legion Post following the burial.

The family expresses thanks for the wonderful help and care given by Peppi's House TMC Hospice.