Juan Manuel Gallardo was born on May 25, 1930 in Tucson, Arizona to María Saenz Gallardo. He was known by many as John or Manuel, and his nickname Fanel. Sadly, Juan Manuel never had the opportunity to meet his father, Juan Gallardo. His father was killed tragically in a mining accident a month before Juan Manuel was born. His parents & four siblings Viviana, Johnny, Roberto, Miguel, and his beautiful wife, Mary precede him in death. He is survived by his daughters Edna Hernandez (Carlos), Diane Cannella (Jim), Arlene Williams (Harold), and son Ken Gallardo (Diane).  Also surviving Juan Manuel are his grandchildren Jesse Aaron Figueroa, Adrienne Rudie, Michael Cannella, Kami Varela, Amanda Daniels, Jordan Bailey, Hunter Gallardo. In addition, he is survived by great grandchildren Quinten Jones, Isayah Jones, Celize Willis, Alexis Alvarez, Alyssa Figueroa, Alijah Figueroa, Ella Rudie, Sage Holden and great great grandson Xzavier Jones.

Juan Manuel was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather. The love he had for his family was beyond measure. He always went above and beyond for them doing whatever he could to help them in whatever they needed. His children and grandchildren knew to go to him first whenever there was a need.  He never, never, never denied his children the help they needed. After he retired he spent a number of years helping his son, Ken, and his daughter-in-law Diane by cleaning their restaurant La Olla in the early morning hours 5 days a week. He did that job with lots of love and dedication for Ken and Diane.

The love he had for his wife, Mary, began when they were in junior high school and withstood the test of time and tribulations. They were married just shy of 74 years. Together they demonstrated that true love could conquer every obstacle. Their love was and IS everlasting.

As a dad, Juan Manuel wore many hats while raising his children. He was a confidant, advisor, and an empathetic listener.   He was always there to lend a hand, to comfort and support his kids in every way. There was nothing he wouldn't do for us. For many years when we were growing up, Dad would work two jobs.  He did this so he could take us on summer vacations.  He wanted us to have experiences that he was never able to have as a child.

Juan Manuel was a "hands on" Tata! He played an important role in the lives of all his grandchildren when they were growing up. When asked to step in and care for one of the grandkids he never hesitated to say, "of course!" He was proud of all their accomplishments as the grandkids grew up.   He absolutely loved being a Tata and they LOVED having him as their Tata.

Juan Manuel was proud of his time in the Marine Corp and his efforts in fighting for his country during the Korean War.  He recently was recognized as a Purple Heart recipient due to an injury obtained while fighting in that war. For many years he was an active member of the Marine Corp League and a strong supporter of their activities.

Juan Manuel was loved by all his family and friends and will forever be in our hearts. In addition to his immediate family, many nieces and nephews who loved him very much survive him. May he rest in eternal peace.

One small note of gratitude…

Our family would like to thank the staff of the Arizona State Home for Veterans.  They gave our father great care and lots of affection.