Jose Luis Del Toro Sr.

Jose Luis Del Toro Sr. was born on November 20, 1952, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Domingo Del Toro and Mary Godiones. Although Domingo was his biological father, it was Faustino Garcia who became the father Jose knew and loved. Faustino raised Jose and taught him the values that would guide him throughout his life—the importance of hard work, being a good man, taking care of his family, and all the lessons a man needs to carry with him through life.

Jose was one of 12 children and grew up in the Tolleson area and began his working life as a farm worker. He later became a groundskeeper at the Wigwam Resort, where he learned the skills that helped him take great pride in keeping a beautiful lawn. Eventually, Jose found his career as a laborer with the City of Phoenix.

Jose's greatest love story began when he was just 17 years old. He met the girl who would become the love of his life at a dance in El Mirage. She was 13, and from that young age, their lives became forever intertwined. She was Jose's one and only love. They married in December 1976 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Tolleson, the same church they continued to attend throughout their lives. Their marriage endured for nearly 52 years, lasting until the time of Jose's passing.

Together, Jose and his beloved wife built a family and were blessed with three children: Jose and his wife, Maria; Diana; and Vivianna, who was widowed after the passing of her husband, Luie.

Jose was a man who was impossible to forget. He had a funny, outgoing personality and was known for being quite the “shit talker.” He was the life of the party and loved making people laugh. He loved to dance, especially to Tejano, Tex-Mex, and cumbia music. Jose was very Tex-Mex at heart and took pride in his distinctive style. He loved his hats and boots and loved the way he looked wearing them.

Family meant everything to Jose. He especially loved his brothers and sisters and treasured the time they spent together. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday because it brought everyone together around one table, with plenty of food, laughter, and family. It was also close to his birthday, making the holiday even more special to him.

Jose took great pride in his lawn and loved keeping it as green and beautiful as possible. He wanted it so perfect that it looked like turf, a skill he had developed during his years working at the Wigwam.

Jose was a man of deep Catholic faith. He and his wife continued to attend Blessed Sacrament Church, where they had been married. His family and his faith gave him strength throughout his life, particularly during his battles with cancer. Jose was a three-time cancer survivor, first diagnosed in 2007, again in 2008, and for a third time in 2025.

When Jose was first diagnosed it was his wish of a grandchild that kept him going, and he soon had one. Then in his second battle he had just found out that he would be a great grandfather. Jose said “if I can beat this once, I can beat this twice. Now I have a great grandbaby to meet.”

Jose was a strong, loving fighter who continued to fight until the very end.

Jose passed away on August 11, 2026, with his family by his side.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and his three children; seven grandchildren, Jessica, Adam, Jose II, Evangelina, Karicia, Samuel, and Samantha; and his great-grandchildren, Jaden, Vivienna, Gianna, and Jason. He also leaves behind his faithful Old English Bulldog, Tejeno.

Jose is also survived by his siblings, Domingo, Tommy, Danny, Fortino, Jaime, Margie, Irma, Christine, Alice, and Anna.

Jose was preceded in death and is now reunited in Heaven with his parents, Mary and Domingo, the man he lovingly called Dad, Faustino Garcia, and his brother Bobby.

Jose's life was filled with love, family, laughter, music, dancing, faith, hard work, and memories that will never be forgotten. He will be remembered for his big personality, his quick wit, his hats and boots, his beautiful lawn, his love of family, and most of all, the nearly six decades of love he shared with his wife.

He was a strong man, a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, brother, and friend. He fought hard, loved deeply, and remained surrounded by the people who mattered most to him until the end.

Jose will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in every family gathering, every song and dance, every perfectly green lawn, and in the hearts of all who loved him.

May he rest peacefully in the loving arms of God.