Joseph Francis Abrutz
Joseph Francis Abrutz of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away peacefully with family by his side on his 99th birthday, April 20, 2025. Joe was married to his beloved wife, Beverly Housley Abrutz, for 71 years.
Born on April 20, 1926, in Youngstown, Ohio, Joe was the youngest of nine children of Ralph and Nicolina Abrutz.
Joe was a World War II veteran and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 as a Radioman Third Class. He served in the South Pacific Campaign on a PT boat and earned the Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal.
After the war, he returned home to Ohio and attended Kent State University through the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1949. While at Kent State, he met the love of his life, Beverly.
Joe worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Akron, Ohio, for several years and was later transferred to Goodyear Aerospace in Litchfield Park, Arizona, in 1961. He dedicated nearly 40 years working for Goodyear Aerospace, rising up the ranks to serve as the Director of Engineering Administration and Services. He was a hard–working husband and father who instilled the values of respect and good work ethic.
Joe was a tremendous golfer at Cottonwood and Palo Verde Country Clubs, achieving an 8 handicap. He was also an amazing cook, often making homemade Italian meals for friends and loved ones using Abrutz family recipes. He often said, “Anytime you get the chance to have pizza, take it.”
Deeply committed to his family, Joe never missed a birthday or holiday. He was also dedicated to supporting many social causes and organizations that he cared about, including: Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, The Nature Conservancy, St. Jude, Doctors Without Borders, Disabled Veterans National Foundation, The Holocaust Center for Humanity, The Audubon Society, among others.
He is survived by his son, Joseph Abrutz Jr. (Deborah), and his daughter Kimberly Brooke (Ben); his four grandchildren: Cara Brooke (Jason), Joseph Abrutz III (Lauren), Nicholas Abrutz (Melissa), and Emily Brooke (John); his seven great-grandchildren: Joseph IV, Martin, Mary, Eli, Flora, Emmett, and Olivia. As well as two nieces and three nephews: Paula Cizmar (Daniel), Valerie Viglione, Tom Cizmar (Marilyn), Tom Viglione (Sue), and Toby Abrutz Jr. (Jacque).
His loving wife, Beverly, passed away on Jan. 23, 2023. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Nicolina Abrutz, who were naturalized American citizens from Italy, and his siblings Alphonse, Nicholas (Dixie), Anthony (Pitzi), Toby, Lena, Philomena, Mary, and Josephine.
Joe lived a happy, wonderful life, was loved, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on May 8, 2025. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church or one of the many causes Joe cared about.
Daniel William Carr
Daniel William Carr
Daniel (Dan) William Carr, 91, passed away peacefully in Chandler, Ariz., on May 8, 2025, with his loving wife, Linda, by his side. Born on Nov. 25, 1933, Dan was the first of seven sons born to George Carr and Rose (Mitchell) Carr, in Exeter, N.H. They lived in New Hampshire until 1949, when the family moved to Belfast, Maine. Dan graduated from Crosby High School in 1951. He was an excellent athlete in high school, playing football, baseball, and basketball. After high school, Dan worked on oil tankers for two years with his father, who was an officer. He then joined the Army where he proudly served for three years during the Korean War. After the army, he attended the University of New Hampshire and obtained an engineering degree.
In the early 1960s, Dan moved to San Diego, Calif. He loved sports and the outdoors, and took many backpacking trips on the John Muir Trail. He even hiked to the top of Mount Whitney three times, quite an accomplishment! While living in San Diego, he learned the game of golf and developed a love for the game that would last the rest of his life. He met Linda in the ‘70s, and they became friends and eventually married in 1983.
After several short term jobs, Dan accepted a job working for National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, where he worked as a purchasing agent for many years. In 1982, Dan accepted a job with British Petroleum as Procurement Manager over BP’s project subcontractors. He and Linda moved to the San Francisco area for his new job. After two years, Dan was transferred to Anchorage, Alaska, where they lived for 10 years. His job entailed a great deal of travel to Colorado; Washington; Prudhoe Bay, Alaska; and even Europe. Dan loved the experience of living in Alaska, but the golf season was too short for his liking.
In 1995, Dan retired and after extensive research, picked Sun Lakes for their retirement. Dan loved retirement and was able to play as much golf as he wanted until he was well into his 80s. He and Linda also loved spending time with family and traveling.
Dan is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Dan Carr Jr. and Lara Gaile; his stepsons, Tony Sara (Heather) and Matthew Sara (Ashley); his brothers, Nathan Carr, Bernie Carr (Judy), Jim Carr, Winslow Carr (Susan); his sisters, Kathleen Fortier and Candy Beckman; nine grandchildren; and four great–grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose Carr, his brothers John Carr and George Carr, and his granddaughter Jessica Carr.
Heartfelt thanks to Hospice of the Valley for their kindness and wonderful care during Dan’s final days. At Dan’s request, there will not be a service. A Celebration of Life may be planned later in the year.
Shirley Louise Michaels
Shirley Louise Michaels
Shirley Louise Michaels, 89, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., quietly passed away on April 23, 2025.
She was born in Gallitzin, Pa., on Dec. 8, 1935 to Lauro and Angeline (Joseph) DiMichaelangelo. Shirley married Joseph Michael Pompili Sr., on Nov. 12, 1955, in Youngstown, Ohio, and graduated from Youngstown State University in 1969 and Kent State University in 1971, majoring in English.
Shirley was adventurous and passionate about life, learning, and family. She began her career working in the family restaurant, El Rancho, in Youngstown. As an educator, Shirley began teaching junior high school English and journalism; a gymnastics coach and yearbook advisor. As an entrepreneur, she owned a print shop, word processing services, and facilitator of numerous women’s workshops and retreats. She was a published cookbook author. Her desire for learning continued throughout her life, participating in classes ranging from writing to dancing (contra, line, clogging, and tap), weaving, basketmaking, bookmaking, and music. She loved being a member of her jazz and ensemble bands. Shirley also loved traveling (Spain, England, France, South Korea, and throughout the U.S.), sewing, knitting, crocheting, macrame, cooking, weaving, drawing, painting, skydiving, theatre, and entertaining.
She was a founding member of the Sun Lakes Instrumental Ensemble and the Angels of Greeley and a member of the Gilbert Community College Jazz and concert bands, New Horizons band, Prescott College concert and Jazz bands, and Prescott cloggers, to name a few.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Lauro and Angeline DiMichaelangelo; brother John (Clara) Michelangelo; her daughter, Michele (Jim) Agee; and son-in-law, Michael (Mona Pompili) Martin. Surviving are her children, Mona Pompili, Anthony Pompili, and Joseph (Dora) Pompili Jr.; grandchildren Merce (Humberto Hernandez) Gonzales; Matt Gonzales; Chelsea (Matt) Merrill; and Mitch Agee; great–grandchildren Lucy Merrill and Sophia Merrill; brother Dante (Pat) DeAngelo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of her well-lived life took place on May 9 at her home in Sun Lakes. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Sun Lakes Instrumental Ensemble, c/o Gene Cline, 9850 E. Cedar Waxwing Dr., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.
James Joseph Paprocki
James Joseph Paprocki
James Joseph Paprocki was one of the few (if any) individuals who was able to experience a Celebration of Life ceremony while still living.
James passed away March 1, 2025 at the age of 71. Just one week before his passing, he was honored by more than 40 relatives and friends who greeted him during a get-together at Legends Showcase Bar and Grill.
James was born Feb. 14, 1954 in Las Vegas, Nev. He was the son of W.J. and Lenora Hames Paprocki. He attended a Catholic grade school. After 8th grade, he attended Immaculate Conception Seminary in Missouri where he received a business degree and earned the title of Brother James.
He stepped out of the religious order and moved to California, where he was employed at Edison Electric as a Field Director Representative. He retired in 2014 and moved to Chandler, Arizona where he became an active member of St. Juan Diego Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by a sister, Kathy and her husband, Jeff Gaines of Mooresville, N.C.; brothers Larry and Robert Paprocki of Sun Lakes; an aunt, Dorothy and her husband Gary Vacin of Sun Lakes; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
He had a Memorial Mass at St. Juan Diego on March 12 with Father Pierre officiating. He is interred at Valley of the Sun Cemetery in Chandler.
Carolyn Sue Richmond
Carolyn Sue Richmond
Carolyn Sue Richmond “Sue” passed away on April 16, 2025. She was born in Erie, Pa., on March 3, 1937, to parents Helen and James “Jim” Cross. She grew up in Erie with her older brother Jimmy and twin brother Dick. While living in Erie, she attended McDowell High School and graduated in 1955.
Sue went on to attend Allegheny College in Meadville, and later attended Kansas State University where she met the love of her life, Duane Rodney Richmond, “Rod.” They later married and returned to Erie. In 1960, they had their first child, daughter Laura. Moving to Arizona in 1963, Sue gave birth to a second daughter, Diane, in April. Sue enjoyed her life as a wife, mother, and homemaker. She made sure her daughters’ lives were enriched through activities such as arts and crafts, band, and girl scouting. Sue became very involved in Girl Scouting as a leader and Girl Scout Council member. Her upbeat attitude and warm smile made her a natural when it came to organizing and planning Girl Scouting Events. She also planned family trips to Erie each summer to visit her parents and relatives.
Sue eventually began working as a secretary at Roosevelt Elementary School in Mesa, where she worked until she and her husband Rod retired to Sun Lakes, Ariz. There, they took up golf and enjoyed the active senior lifestyle. Sue thrived in the friendly Sun Lakes community where she made many friends. In 2023, Sue moved to the Robson Reserve after the passing of her husband in 2020. Sue’s family and all who knew her will dearly miss her warm, energetic happy-go-lucky spirit and her zest for life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Jim Cross; brothers Jimmy and Dick; and husband Rod Richmond. She is survived by daughters Laura (Jeff) Cates, Diane (Tim) Miller, five grandchildren, and four great–grandchildren with one on the way.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Sue’s behalf to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.