Peter Tomola

Peter Tomola Born Pietro Tomola on August 17, 1921, in Pieve di Vergonte, Italy, departed this life on April 20, 2011 following a debilitating illness. Peter, age five, with his mother, Catarina, immigrated from Italy to Morenci, Arizona in 1926, reuniting with his father Enrico who had gone ahead to prepare a place for them. A year was spent in Mexico on their journey as they awaited paperwork to enter the U.S. Both mother and son learned Spanish on this stay in Mexico, which was handy in Morenci with its large immigrant population. They would later add English to their language accomplishments. The family had a bakery for many years in Morenci where Peter worked part-time. Years later, after graduation from Morenci High School, Pete began work for Phelps Dodge, Morenci. His work was interrupted by World War II. Pete served in the US Army in WWII and was called up again for the Korean War. Pete was a Master Sgt in both conflicts, serving often as a drill instructor. In peacetime, Pete worked for Phelps Dodge, and at a fairly young age became a mill foreman at the mine. He was the senior mill foreman at the Morenci mine for many years. Pete married widowed Mabel Ellen Kopplin in 1951 and together with his new family, including stepson, John Kopplin, moved to Safford, Arizona. He resided in Safford until health problems necessitated a relocation to Tucson, Arizona, near the Kopplins in 2009. Pete's focus, outside of work, was family. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. He was a good friend and neighbor to many and will be sorely missed for his good counsel, camaraderie and sense of humor. A cup of coffee (or cold beer) with his buddy, Juan Rios, or tacos and pecan pie with the sisters and family was always fun. His nicknames with the grandchildren were "Hero" and "Friend for Life." Pete, an avid reader during his almost 90 years, could always be counted on as a source of timely information. Most of his library is being donated to Bear Canyon library in Tucson. Pete was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel Ellen and his parents, Enrico and Catarina. He is survived by his stepson, John Kopplin (Susana) of Tucson, as well as grandson, Justin Kopplin; granddaughter, Stephanie Kopplin; devoted sisters, Mary Layton (Charlie), Pat Savage, Anne Rupnow (Jim) and many wonderful nephews and nieces. Many thanks to the great staff at Fountain Court care facility in Tucson and the staff at TMC hospice in Tucson. Memorial pending. Arrangements by ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL.