Jose Gastelum Badilla, age 84, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, just days before his 85th birthday, surrounded by his family and in the home he loved so deeply.

Born on February 13, 1941, in Tucson, Jose spent his entire life in the city he cherished. Tucson was not just his hometown—it was the place where he built his life, raised his family, pursued his passions, and formed lifelong friendships.

Jose was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Frances, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Together they built a strong and loving family he cherished.

He is survived by his children, Monica Perrin (Keith), Joe Badilla, and Orlando Badilla (Jessica); and his cherished grandchildren, Steven Perrin, Sarah Perrin, Jacob Badilla, Diego Badilla, Vincent Badilla, and Arya Badilla. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Gonzalez and Dolores Olivares; and his brother, Tony Badilla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Julia Badilla; his brothers, Manny and Fernando Badilla; and his sisters, Margaret Vidaurri and Socorro Carranza.

Jose lived a life defined by hard work, joy, and passion for everything he set out to do. He spent many years racing horses and winning stake races, with Rillito Park as his home racecourse while traveling around the state and beyond. He proudly served in the United States Army and spent time in Korea.

For 58 years, Jose was a dedicated sheet metal worker and proud member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 359. He often reminisced about the many projects he worked on throughout Tucson and the Southwest, frequently speaking about the copper installation at McKale Center and the innovative methods used to complete it. Of all his accomplishments, the project he was most proud of was his home—a house he personally designed and built for his wife and for raising their family.

Jose was also an accomplished athlete. He was a gymnast in rings for Tucson High Magnet School, proudly placing third in the state. Athletic by nature, he passed his love of sports on to his family. He especially loved coaching Little League for San Xavier, where his teams were successful year after year, but his greatest joy came from coaching children and having the opportunity to coach his own sons.

Above all else, Jose was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren and their many accomplishments. He could often be found in the stands, on the sidelines, or wherever his family was performing, competing, or celebrating milestones—always cheering them on.

Jose deeply loved his wife Frances and treasured taking her dancing and attending parties whenever possible. When asked what kind of party he wanted, his answer was always the same: a dance with steaks to enjoy.

Jose will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted dad and tata, loyal friend, and a man of strength, generosity, and perseverance. He was always there to offer a helping hand and was extremely handy and talented in almost anything he did—able to build or fix nearly anything. His legacy lives on through the family he built, the lives he touched, and the values he passed down.

Jose Gastelum Badilla will be greatly missed and forever remembered.