Reverend Jorge Ayala Cañez

Rev. Jorge Ayala Cañez, 75, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on August 4, 2022, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Jorge was born on June 4, 1947 to Luis and Emilia Cañez in Phoenix. He graduated from Carl Hayden High School in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967 and served his country as an Airman for over 5 years. He went on to study and graduated from St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, in Indiana in 1979. He was ordained as a Priest on May 19, 1979 in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. Jorge enlisted in the Air National Guard in 1982 and spent over 16 years as a Chaplain and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1998. Since his priestly ordination in 1979, he served at Queen of Peace Parish, St. Margaret Parish, Holy Family Parish, St. Edward Parish and lastly, at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, where he retired in June of 2012. He was a former Third Degree Chaplain of the Holy Family Council #11675, and a Fourth Degree Sir Knight with the Fr. Joseph T. O’Callahan assembly #2609 with the Knights of Columbus.

Jorge loved his family and was there for anyone at any time. He will be remembered for his annual Christmas ornament exchange party he hosted for his family and close friends for over 25 years. Jorge had the love and passion for music, and in his younger life was a founding member and musician in the band, “Music Formula”. He loved being a DJ and proudly called himself “Puro Padre”. He was loved by his parishioners current and past and will forever be remembered for playing his guitar and singing “Feliz Navidad” at all his Christmas Masses. Jorge was full of life and was always on the go. He was a “Techey” before his time and was the king of gadgets. He will be remembered by all for his wonderful sense of humor and for having the kindest heart up to the end. He was the best Brother, Uncle, Nino and friend anyone could ask for. He will be missed immensely.

Jorge was preceded in death by his Parents Jose Luis Sr. and Emily A. Cañez, Brother Louie Jr., and Brother in-law Albert Lopez. He is survived by his Brother David(Louella) and Sisters Patricia(Tony), Rosemary(Ernie), Pauline(Andy), Sandra and Maria-‘Poopsie’, and Sister in-law Lupe, 25 Nieces and Nephews, 42 Great Nieces and Nephews and 8 Great-Great Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017, on Friday, August 19, 2022, with Visitation to be held from 9-10am, Rosary prayers at 9:30am, a Mass Celebration at 10:00am. He will be laid to rest at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008.  Donations can be made to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at

https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/donate-r