It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved brother and uncle, Armando Gastellum. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family and loved ones on April 3, 2024 at the age of 86 in Tucson, Arizona.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arturo and Porfiria Gastelum; sister, Maria Amanda (Francisco) Matus; brother, Carlos (Lydia) Gastelum; and brother-in-law, Rodolfo Rangel.  He is survived by his sister, Carmen Rangel; sister, Isabel Gastelum; brother, Rene (Elisa) Gastelum, and many nieces and nephews.

Armando was born and raised in South Tucson, Arizona. He attended Ochoa Elementary, Safford Jr. High, and Tucson High School. He joined the United States Air Force at the young age of 17. During this time he traveled the world. Some of his most memorable deployments were Japan and Panama. Upon honorable discharge, Armando worked in Civil Service at what is most commonly known as "The Bone Yard" at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. He further moved on to the Old Pueblo's main Cherrybell United States Post Office location where he later retired. Once retired, Armando dedicated himself to taking care of his mother, Porfiria, and his aunt, Elvira, in the very home he was born in and where he resided up to two years before his death. Upon visiting Mando, one might find him quietly cheering on one of his favorite sports teams, reading the newspaper or a book, or watching anything from Westerns to National Geographic.  No matter what he was doing, right beside him you would find man's best friend, his dog child. Mando loved animals. He was always willing to adopt others' dogs as his own and the dogs could not have been luckier. If you could not find him enjoying his time at home, look no further than Guillermo's Double L restaurant in South Tucson, where "Armandito" loved the food and coffee but loved the staff who treated him like family even more. Armando's loyalty and kindness to his family, friends, and pets will always be treasured.

If you would like to consider a donation in Armando's memory, please consider the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

http://hssaz.org/help/donate/memorial-and-tribute-gifts/