Alberto M. Elías

Alberto M. Elías 86, a fourth-generation Tucsonan and a longtime business-owner, passed away on October 16, 2015. His wife of 53-years, Viola B. Elías and his parents, Alberto Spring Elías and Ermelinda Moreno Elías preceded him in death. He is survived by his children, Ana Elías Terry (Thad deceased), Albert F. Elías (Sarah), Richard Elías (Emily) and his five grandchildren, Elena and Ariana Terry, Matt and Ben Elías and Luz Elías. As family patriarch, Alberto cherished his role as husband, father and grandfather of five spending countless hours as loving confidante and chauffer. Esteemed by family and friends, he touched the lives of many with his sense of humor and wisdom. All those who knew him will be comforted by their fond memories of Alberto. He spent many hours of his youth in the printing shop on South Stone Avenue where El Tucsonense, a Spanish-language newspaper owned by his mother's Moreno family was published. In 1966, along with a partner, he opened Old Pueblo Printers where he continued to work until stricken by illness in July 2015. With a keen focus on serving his customers, Alberto had a long association with some of Southern Arizona's leading political figures, printing their campaign literature and offering them his wise counsel. He was active in the community, particularly at St. Augustine's Cathedral where he was a member and involved in parish council leadership and various projects, and serving on numerous boards and commissions. In recent years, he served on the Regional Transportation Authority Citizen Advisory Committee, Los Desciendentes del Presidio, and on the Tucson-Pima County Arts Council, leading efforts to improve Five Points, the southern gateway to downtown in the Armory Park neighborhood where he lived all his life. A 1946 graduate of Tucson High School, he also graduated in 1948 from Frank Wiggins Trade School in Los Angeles. He served two years in the Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Okinawa and Japan. After his honorable discharge, in February 1954 he went to work for Tucson Newspapers Inc. and joined the International Typographical Union. He steadfastly maintained his union membership at Old Pueblo Printers and after his union merged with Communication Workers of America, was a proud member of Local 7026. The family offers a special thanks to all the individuals who provided care to Alberto during his illness. Visitation will be held Friday, October 23, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at St. Augustine's Cathedral, 192 South Stone Avenue, with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Augustine's Cathedral on Saturday, October 24, 2015, 10:30 a.m. Family and friends may express their condolences at www.carrillostucsonmortuary.com. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY.