Alex Polanco

Alex S. Polanco, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully in Tucson, Arizona on October 26, 2025, at the age of 77. Born in Morenci, Arizona on September 12, 1948, to Cosme Polanco and Mary Sanchez, Alex lived a life full of love, hard work, and deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and family.
Alex dedicated 35 years of service to Phelps Dodge, where he worked as a Diagnostic Electrician and Electrical Supervisor in both the Morenci and Metcalf Mill. He retired in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and excellence. However, his dedication to the field brought him back as a consultant, a role he fulfilled until 2004. Above all, Alex's pride and joy were his four sons: Alec, Tim, Steve, and Chris. He found immense happiness in their lives and in the growing family they built. His love extended to his 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him joy and laughter.
Alex was a man of the outdoors. He found peace in the mountains, among the trees, and beside the water with a fishing pole in hand. One of his greatest joys in recent years was a cherished family tradition known as "Polanco's in the Pines"-a gathering filled with stories, games, and lasting memories. This tradition will continue in his honor. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: watching Westerns, listening to music, playing cards, and admiring hummingbirds from his porch.
Alex is survived by: his sons, Alec Polanco, Tim Polanco, Steve (Nettie) Polanco, and Chris (Elyse) Polanco; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sisters, Eloisa Dalbianco and Betty (John) Terry; and his nieces, Lisa (Ruben) Quintanilla and Leslie (Greg) Arbizo. He leaves behind many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who adored him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cosme Polanco and Mary Sanchez.
Alex will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Alex will be conducted Friday, November 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Safford. A rosary and offering of prayers for Alex will be offered prior to Mass on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. also at the church.
Family will receive friends Thursday evening, November 6, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Vining Funeral Home's "Chapel of the Valley". To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alex, please visit our floral store.