Nick Gardea

Nick Gardea, age 101, of Globe, AZ passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 surrounded by family. Nick was born in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico on Dec. 6, 1920. He was the son of Ysidra Estavillo Gardea.

Nick was raised in Safford, AZ, graduated from Safford High School in 1940, Eastern Arizona College in 1942, and served in the United States Army Air Corp from 1942 – 1946. He thought he was going to see the world, but ended up going to California just so they could assign his basic training at the Army Air Base in Douglas, AZ. He was finally stationed in Hawaii, where he said it was green and beautiful and he loved the flowers. Nick was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

He met and married Pauline Bower of Lockport, NY in 1952. Moved to Globe, AZ in 1957 where he lived out the rest of his life.  They had seven children. He was a grocery store manager most of his life. Working for Pete’s Country store, A.J. Bayless, State Supply, San Carlos Trading post, and Ortega’s Shoes.

Nick loved family dinners and filling the church pew with kids, grandkids, and great grand kids.  He loved his sports, listening to jazz, and “back in the day” he would dance up a storm. He loved having a huge row of sweet peas line the front yard garden, feeding the wild birds, and his old grey cat.

Nick is survived by seven children, Pete Gardea, Gayle Colyott, Linda Cayouette, Fred Gardea (Laura), Ed Gardea (Geri), Nicolette Gardea, and Aimee Rios (Marty). Nine grandchildren, Danette Davis, Nathaniel Rios, Monique Mach, Ricky Cayouette, Katie Gardea, Noah Gardea, Nico Gardea, Alena Barkley, Larisa Bonesteel. Ten great grandchildren Kandess, Chase, Brenley, Caedmon, Amerie, Lenore, Belle, Rhen, Aurora, and Gianni.

Proceeded in death by his loving wife of 65 years Pauline Gardea, mother Ysidra Gardea, father Julio Gardea and son in law’s Rick Cayouette and Daniel Colyott.

Very blessed for 101 and half years!

Services will be held on July 23 ^rd at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Globe, AZ. Visitation will begin at 9am, followed by a Rosary at 9:30am and Mass at 10:00am. A procession to the Globe cemetery will follow the Mass.