Daniel Ayala

Daniel (Danny) Ayala, 76, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018. Danny was born on March 8th, to Joe and Mercedes Ayala, was a graduate of Phoenix Union High School and a member of the Centaurs Monarchs Car Club. He loved to dance and treasured all the oldies music. Danny was a journeyman carpenter for 45 years and left his mark throughout the valley at multiple housing developments, the Hyatt Regency, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Grayhawk and many other places. He was a very hard worker and always managed to share his skills and mentor young carpenters. Danny had a multitude of lifelong friends, it didn’t matter where he went, someone knew him or he knew them. His famous questions were “where were you born, who are your parents, where did you grow up.” Danny is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gwen, his children Michelle Miller (Gary), Daniel Jr. (Wendy), Michael (Georgy Anne), and Sonia Preciado (George). His adoring grandchildren who deeply loved their Tata, NiKole Scarpone (Craig), Gary Miller (Alexandria), Max, Zachary, Mia Ayala, Latisha, George, Annette, Cody and Mercedes Preciado. Danny was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Isabella Scarpone and Beaux Miller. He also cherished JoJo, Annette, Gianna and Sophia. He is also survived by his sister Joanne Amavisca, brother Arnold Ayala (Vickie), nieces and nephews, Alfred, Rita, Simon, Andrea, Nicole and Joshua. He was also loved deeply by Ruben & Cara Martinez. Danny loved all his cousins, aunts and uncles, two of which we are fortunate to still have with us, Tio Mike Gomez and Tia Matilde Gonzales. Our family is deeply grateful to Arroyo Health Hospice and our dear cousin Yolanda Greene for taking exceptional care of dad. In addition, we are thankful for the care he received at Blue Sage and Marilyn Manor Assisted Living. Special thank you to our cousin Nicole Sanchez and personal friend Richie Hernandez during dad’s hospital stay at Barrows. Michael and Georgy’s little baby Angel is in the arms of his Tata, both are smiling down upon us. A Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Basilica, Friday, October 12, 2018 from 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. with a Funeral Mass celebrated at 10:00 A.M. A Burial will take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St., Phoenix. In lieu of flowers our family would greatly appreciate donations to Arroyo Health Hospice, 14100 N. 83rd Avenue, Suite 235, Peoria, Arizona 85381. Dad, you will always & forever be our HERO!