In Passing – February 2025

Richard Cabral

Mr. Richard Cabral, 86, of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away on Dec. 30, 2024, at his home in Goodyear. He was born on Sept. 18, 1938, in New Bedford, Mass., to the late Edward and Hilda Cabral. He was also preceded in death by his brother Edward M. Cabral.

Richard enjoyed a happy childhood, filled with memories of playing with friends, singing on the stoop outside a local paint store, and climbing trees in his neighborhood. He graduated from New Bedford High School in June 1956 and, with a strong sense of duty, immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. Over the course of his 30-year military career, Richard served his country with distinction. Initially an aviation metalsmith, he later pursued further education, attending St. Luke’s School of Nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse. He served as a nurse in the Navy until his retirement as a Lt. Commander in 1989.

After retiring, Richard moved to Oak Harbor, Wash., where he worked as an operating room nurse at Whidbey General Hospital in Coupeville. In 2001, he moved to Goodyear, Ariz., and bought a home in PebbleCreek, where he became known for his warmth and kindness. Richard had many interests, including crafts, ceramics, playing the organ, learning to sew, quilting, and cross-stitching. He loved playing card games, solving puzzles, and was known to give the best bear hugs.

Richard was united in marriage to his loving wife, Catherine, on June 26, 1993. Together, they blended their families and created a home filled with love and laughter.

Richard is survived by his wife, Catherine Cabral; daughters Cathy (Mike) Bowers and Christina Borgstrom; sons Scott (Lori) Cabral, R.J. (Rubi) Borgstrom, and Nathaniel (Eileen) Borgstrom; and his sister Linda Lopes. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Rick Bowers, Jessica Moran, Dominick Borgstrom, and Adam Borgstrom; and his three great-grandchildren: Roan, Quinn, and Kieran Moran and Scarlet Thorton. Richard is also survived by many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Program in Richard’s memory.

Richard’s legacy of love, service, and care for others will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Connie Clark

Connie Rae Clark, 81, passed away peacefully on Dec. 8, 2024, at her home in Goodyear, Ariz., after a year-long fight with cancer. In her final days, she was surrounded by family celebrating her beautiful life.

On Nov. 14, 1943, Connie was born to the late John and Bonnie Reed in Houston, Texas. As a toddler she was adopted by her aunt and uncle, the late Durell and Addie (Vowell) Nealy and grew up in nearby Bay City, Texas, where she became a lifetime follower of Jesus. Connie met Vern Clark at Evangel College in Springfield, Mo., and they were married on May 26, 1964. For the rest of her life she was a dedicated wife, mother, Nana, and lifelong friend to many. She served her country for 37 years as a Navy spouse, ultimately a beloved first lady of the Navy. During this time she lovingly supported Navy spouses and their families, hosted official functions large and small, represented her country all around the world, and was known for her extraordinary ability to connect with sailors, officers, and dignitaries of all ranks and backgrounds. Her empathy, authenticity, and love for life caused friends to call her the bright light in the room.

Connie will be greatly missed by her husband of 60 years, Vern, children Jeff (wife Christine, children Jenna and Thomas) and Matt (wife Stephanie, children Maddy, Bradley, and Ainsley), brothers Clark, John Jr., and Douglas, and sisters Donna, Nancy, and Jonnie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Durell and Addie Nealy, her birth parents John and Bonnie Reed, and brother Bo.

A Celebration of Life was held on Jan. 10 at Christ Church of the Valley, Verrado, Ariz., followed by a reception. There will be a second reception in Virginia Beach, Va., and we will notify friends and family when details are known.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Naval Services FamilyLine (nsfamilyline.org/donate).

“She never met a stranger.”

Vincenzo (Jim) DeCarlo Jr.

Jim DeCarlo went on to Glory on Dec. 12, 2024. Born in Detroit, he was the youngest of nine brothers and sisters all predeceased. Jim got drafted into the Army during the Korean War. Luckily he was assigned duty on the railroads. He had worked as a boilermaker on the NY Central railway located in Detroit. He was honorably discharged after three years of service.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Gail. They had two children JR (Wendy) and Linda. JR has two sons, Joshua and Jordan. Joshua has two daughters and two sons. Linda has two daughters, Amanda and Taylor.

Later, after the Korean War Jim was hired into Ford Motor Company in the safety department. He was a test driver. This entailed track and road testing and heat and cold testing of the vehicles. Then Jim went on to prepping test vehicles for crashes of 90°, 30° left and right frontal crashes, and rear end crashes. Jim retired after 40 years with the company.

Jim married Diane and in 1994 built their first home in PebbleCreek. They built a second home in 1999 to accommodate his 1964 Mustang that he and his son, JR, restored.

Living here in PebbleCreek is so fun. Jim golfed weekly with the Dirty Dozen, the PC Men’s League, and any other golf tournament playing at the time. He was a charter member of the Bocce Ball Club, the Italian Club, and the Republican Club.

Jim really enjoyed the visits of the dog walkers and dogs since he lived on Sunrise Park. How the dogs loved Jim.

Oh my, I almost forgot what a great fan Jim was of the Detroit Red Wings. He wasn’t exactly the sweet lovable man he normally was.

Rest in peace my Love.

Please give any donations to Church at Litchfield Park, 300 Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, AZ 85350, or Kare Bears, 15383 W. Cheery Lane Road, Goodyear, AZ 85395.

Lynne Jean Johnson

Lynne Jean Johnson of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away on Jan. 3, 2025, at the age of 80. She was born on July 14, 1944, in Brockton, Mass. One of five children, she is survived by her identical twin sister Lee and older sister Nancy. Lynne graduated from Whitman-Hanson Regional High School and enjoyed a long career as a Paralegal Secretary.

After retirement, Lynne relocated to Goodyear with her husband Warren (who passed in 2016). She is survived by her two daughters, Kim and Kerri, and two grandchildren, Jeffrey and Avery.

Lynne was active in PebbleCreek serving as President of the Singles Club for two years and before that as Vice President/Membership Chairman.

Lynne was active in the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish, volunteering as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. Those who knew her knew she never sat still, volunteering for the Kare Bears and actively participating in several clubs in PebbleCreek, including Bocce, Wii Bowling, Mah Jongg, and as a founding member of the PC Bingo Club.

Her friends will always remember her for her generosity of spirit, laughter, good humor, and of course her sparkling blue eyes.

A private Celebration of Life was held.

Mary Kathryn Mack

Mary Kathryn Mack, age 88, passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2025, after a full and joyous life. Born in Huntington, W.Va., to Walter and Lennie May Collins on Dec. 22, 1936, she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

After high school, Mary worked her first job at the Huntington Water Company in the bookkeeping department and continued in the accounting field with various companies throughout her career.

It was “love at first sight” when Mary met Paul Mack at a dance in 1957 and married three months later. The beautiful couple were married 62 years before Paul passed in 2020. Mary and Paul moved to PebbleCreek in 1999 after her retirement from IBM where they met their most treasured friends for life. Mary enjoyed dancing, karaoke with her friends, fashion, reading, golfing, sudoku puzzles, talking about the stock market, the beach, and cruising travels with her beloved husband and friends.

She will be greatly missed by her family. Daughters and husbands Carla (Steve) Melnyk, Paula (Eric Gilmore) Mack; adoring grandmother to Taylor (Dennis) Boyer, Austin (Jo) Melnyk, Brady Simard, and Cody Simard; and loving great-grandmother to Penelope Boyer, Quinlan Boyer, and Logan Melnyk. Mary is also survived by her brother Jack (Sandy) Collins of South Carolina and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held for both Mary and Paul Mack on Feb. 2, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Chianti Room at PebbleCreek.

Nancy Mondzak

On Dec. 1, 2024, Nancy peacefully entered the presence of her Lord Jesus. She passed away due to complications from surgery and had been battling Alzheimer’s.

Nancy was born in Waltham, Mass., in 1944 and moved with her family to Pleasanton, Calif. She retired to the PebbleCreek community in Goodyear, Ariz., in October 2004. A graduate of Framingham State College, Nancy began her career as a teacher before transitioning to the high–tech industry, ultimately retiring from a senior role at Sun Microsystems. She loved volunteering at her church after her retirement.

She is lovingly remembered by her second husband, Michael Mondzak, whom she married in 2002. She was predeceased by her first husband, Bob Furlong, in 1997. Nancy is survived by her daughters, Lynne Cornelius, Kara Torrao, and stepdaughter Raelyn Kritzer. She was predeceased by her son, Mark, who passed away at the age of 2. Her legacy lives on through her three cherished grandchildren: Connor and Caden Torrao and Emerson Cornelius.

Nancy’s life was one of love, resilience, and dedication to her family, career, and church, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. She was a member of CCV Church.

David Pike

David Lee Pike passed away Dec. 19, 2024, at the age of 75.

Dave was born in Riceville, Iowa, in 1949 and lived in Clear Lake, Iowa, until he graduated high school.

He went to junior college at NIACC for two years while working for the local phone company. He then went to Mankato College in Minnesota for two years, receiving his bachelor’s degree.

Dave was an outstanding baseball player throughout his high school and college years. He played basketball all through high school and in his senior year they advanced to the state tournament in 1968.

Dave moved to Arizona in 1975 and earned his master’s degree while working for US West Phone Company. He stayed with US West until his retirement.

He met his wife Cheryle in 1988. They were happily married for 34 years.

They spent the last eight years in an over 55 community. He was very active in baseball, tennis, golf, and pickleball. He also loved to ski.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister Dianna.

He is survived by his wife Cheryle; his brothers Doug, Dana, Dennis, and Darwin; and their dog Bella.

Dave was a loving and kind husband, brother, and friend to all of us. He will be very dearly missed in our lives.

Thank you so much for all your well wishes. I really appreciate it.

Cheryle Pike

Daniel Rodrigues

Daniel Rodrigues, 73, of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Nov. 28, 2024. Born on Sept. 16, 1951, Daniel was a man of many talents, known for his hard work, dedication, and love for life. Throughout his life, he had a variety of successful careers and earned the respect and admiration of everyone he encountered. His strong work ethic and relentless determination set him apart in everything he did.

Daniel was an avid golf enthusiast and a passionate bowler. Both games brought him great joy, whether he was playing with friends or enjoying a quiet day on the course or in the bowling alley. He was never one to meet a stranger and formed lasting friendships with all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. His warm personality, sense of humor, and kind heart made him a beloved figure among those who knew him.

Daniel is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne; his daughter, Dawn; his grandchildren, Kyndall and Jackson; and his great-grandchildren, Ayla and Wiley. He is also survived by his sisters, Rosemarie, Cindy, and Becky, who held a special place in his heart, as well as his brother-in-law, Tony, his nephew, Danny, many loving cousins, the mother of his daughter and friend, Lana, and his beloved fur baby, Louie.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. A celebration of his life has been planned. Unfortunately due to occupancy limitations it will be invitation only.

May Daniel rest in peace, and may his legacy of hard work, love, and friendship live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Rayma May Scalzo

Rayma May Scalzo, age 82, resident of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Dec. 25, 2024. She is survived by her grandson Jarod Flitcraft, granddaughter Kristin Hards, and great-grandson Orion Caselton, her sister Barbara Robinson (Duane), her stepson Eric Cavanagh, her stepdaughter Melissa Lohmann, several step-grandchildren, her niece Kim Lignore (Robert), and grandnieces Tessa and Claire Lignore. She is preceded in death by her husband Joe Scalzo, sons Brian Flitcraft (Melanie) and David Flitcraft, and her sister Peggy Russell (Jon).

Rayma was born on July 25, 1942, in Trenton, N.J., to G. Luther Weibel and Rayma Hutchinson Weibel. Rayma moved around a lot as a child. In her early years, she lived in Clinton and Greenville, Tenn., as well as Raleigh, N.C. As a 7th grader she moved west to Hillsborough, Calif., where she attended grade school and then graduated from Burlingame High School and then Oregon State University majoring in Home Economics while a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She lived briefly in Oregon and California before moving to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1971.

Rayma and Joe were married in 1990 and moved to PebbleCreek in 1995, where Rayma established a wonderful circle of friends. She loved to dance, play cards, and particularly loved table tennis. She was also talented at target shooting, where she ranked in college. Rayma was a breast cancer survivor, an experience that changed her life. She wanted to give back soon after moving to PebbleCreek, so she founded Kare Bears, a nonprofit organization that focuses on neighbors helping neighbors in the PebbleCreek retirement community. She became heavily involved with the Breast Cancer Support Group and the Alzheimer’s Support Group. In December of 2020, she received a Congressional Recognition for her dedicated work with Kare Bears. Rayma’s friendly smile will be forever missed by all who knew her.

Donations in Rayma’s memory can be sent to Kare Bears at 15383 W. Cheery Lynn Road, Goodyear, AZ 85395. A memorial service is pending.

Lola Warner

Lola Warner, a longtime resident of PebbleCreek, passed away in Goodyear on Nov. 30, 2024. Lola was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Basil, and their two sons, John and David. She was born in Oak Park, Ill., on Oct. 14, 1933, to Frank Graf and Rose Kallas Graf. She is survived by her beloved granddaughters, Carrie and Dana, Dana’s husband, Matt, and great-grandchildren, Raelynn, Matthew, and Lincoln. Her cat buddy, Leo, will make his new home with Dana and Matt.

She and Basil met in high school and married soon after. In her young life, she worked as a telephone operator. If you visited her home, you would see a great collection of old-dial phones displayed. She delighted in showing them to young folks who were often mystified as to what they were.

Lola lived in Arizona for most of her adult life. She worked at Glendale Community College in the media department until she retired. After they retired, Lola and Basil traveled the world. They were independent and adventuresome travelers. One of their favorite trips was traveling around Europe by train with only their backpacks. They stayed in hostels and even met distant relatives in a small village in Germany.

Lola and Basil moved to PebbleCreek in 1996 when it was still a budding community. Lola liked to tell her friends that she could see the new Safeway at Litchfield Road from her front yard. She and Basil participated in the many developing clubs, including golf, and helped get the tennis club started. They fostered (and adopted) dogs from the Pet Companion Club. She volunteered with the new Kare Bears organization. Lola loved her Mah Jongg group and continued to play until her death. She was a great ambassador for PebbleCreek and a wealth of knowledge for new residents.

Lola was unassuming and witty. She was a delight to be with and leaves those of us who loved and enjoyed her with a heavy heart. Rest in peace dear Lola.