David Guido Areghini

After battling cancer for more than 7 years, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, David Areghini, 81, passed away peacefully on January 19th surrounded by his loving family. David was born to Edward and Ines Areghini on October 30, 1942, on their dairy farm in Cottonwood, AZ. His family relocated to Phoenix where he graduated from Central High School. His football skills were evident, and he was offered numerous college scholarships. With an Engineering major in mind, he chose the University of Arizona having received an athletic and academic scholarship. Thus began his lifelong dedication to the University that gifted him his education and military commission through the ROTC program. He graduated as a Civil Engineer and Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers in 1965. David then earned his master’s degree in business administration from UCLA after marrying his college sweetheart, Dede Sullivan in 1966. 

The couple then moved to New England where David was assigned to the NASA Construction Project and their first daughter, Andrea was born in 1968. Following his military commitment, they relocated to California where he worked for Flour Corporation as a Cost and Scheduling Engineer, Southern California Edison where he held various positions in project management, and their second daughter, Alison was born in 1972. The family returned to Phoenix in 1990 when David began his career with Salt River Project. He became Associate General Manager of Power, Construction and Engineering Services until he retired in 2011. 

Having earned his professional engineering license in both CA and AZ; his Industry activities were numerous. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Western Electricity Coordinating Council as well as the Rocky Mountain Electric League where he received the Distinguished Leadership Award and the Industry Achievement Award. His involvement at the University of Arizona was admirable, National Leadership Council, Foundation Board of Directors, Alumni Association Board of Directors Chairperson and College of Engineering Industry Advisory Council. Also, honored with the Centennial Distinguished Alumnus Award, Bear Down Award, Alumni Service Award, Alumni Association Professional Achievement Award, College of Engineering Hall of Fame and Distinguished Service Award, as well as being recognized by his college fraternity in the Arizona Fiji Upsilon Alpha Chapter Hall of Fame. Locally he was involved with Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and the Phoenix Theatre Board of Directors Chairperson. 

His family was a top priority for him and the pride and joy he felt for his daughters, sons-in-law, and 6 granddaughters was obvious. David is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Dede Areghini, daughter Andrea Tracy (David); granddaughters, Carina, Isabella and Marcella Tracy, and daughter Alison McAleer (Michael); granddaughters, Abigail, Grace and Emily McAleer. 

Honoring David’s wishes, a private family funeral Mass is being held. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Arizona Humane Society Attn: Development Dept. 1521 W. Dobbins Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85041 or online at azhumane.org.