Frank Moreno Morales

Frank Moreno Morales, beloved father, grandfather and uncle, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026 in Tempe.

Frank was born in Tucson, Arizona, to Francisco F. Morales and Jennie T. Moreno. Frank was a native Spanish speaker, but he learned English in part through listening to the FDR Fireside Chats on the radio and by habitually reading a dictionary in his youth. Frank graduated from Tucson High School in 1954, where he participated in track, and played trumpet for the Badger Band. Following high school, Frank enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served as a mechanic on Convair B-36J “Peacemaker” airplanes, which took him to assignments in Guam, Spokane, Washington, and El Paso, Texas. For the rest of his life, Frank would take immense pride in serving his country. He also developed a life-long interest in aircraft, specifically aircraft from the WWII era.

Returning to Tucson following active duty, Frank enrolled at the University of Arizona. While at UofA, he met his wife of 62 years, Susan D. Howe. On their first date, they saw Bob Newhart perform stand-up comedy in his early days of touring. Frank and Sue married in 1963 and had two children, Gloria and Michael. Frank worked in human resources for Anaconda and then Anamax Mining until 1977, when he accepted an offer from REECo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wanting to return to his native Arizona, Frank was hired as a personnel analyst with APS and moved to Tempe in 1981. One of his first actions as a new resident of the Phoenix area was to secure season tickets for the Arizona State football games, beginning a decades long attachment to ASU athletics. In 1994, Frank went to work for the State of Arizona as a human resources analyst until his retirement in 2006.

Frank’s two most dearly held values, family and education, brought him immense happiness in 1992. He was absolutely overjoyed to become a grandfather for the first time. Around the same time as the birth of his grandson, Frank completed two Associates degrees (General Studies and Arts) with Mesa Community College. He was inspired by one of his instructors, Barbara McGaughey, to pursue Spanish medical interpretation opportunities with Chandler Regional Hospital and Banner Desert Regional Hospital, then teach Spanish for medical professionals through MCC. Frank went on to create an endowed scholarship for nursing students through MCC in honor of McGaughey, which today funds three scholarships. He also volunteered at health clinics and with outreach programs as a medical interpreter. Frank’s life-long love of music led him to join the Tempe Community Chorus in 1996 for a period of ten years, and his baritone voice was once featured on a solo of “Wandering Star” from Paint Your Wagon. Frank also served as a Vice Chair of the Tempe Human Relations Commission during his retirement.

As long-time supporters of Arizona State athletics, especially the Sun Devil Women’s Basketball Team. Frank and Sue enjoyed traveling with the team on occasion, including one memorable trip to New Zealand in 2012. Even as years went by, Frank would recall that trip fondly and appreciate the culture of New Zealand and their immense respect for all elders, whether they be community members or not.

Frank is survived by his daughter Gloria M. Scheeland and son-in-law Frank R. Scheeland, son Michael E. Morales, and grandchildren Frank R. Morales, Erin Morales, Jenna Scheeland, Tanya Khiaw, Rodney Pampel and great-grandson Gabe Urbaez. Frank is also survived by his brothers-in-law Al Guzman, Tim Kendall (Christine Thomson) and Jon Howe (Jeri Howe), sisters-in-law Nancy Fitzpatrick, Lis Howe and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Susan, daughter-in-law Malena Morales, sister Margie Guzman, brothers-in-law Bill Howe, Sandy Howe and Phil Fitzpatrick, and his sister-in-law Clara Howe.

A Graveside Service will be held Friday, December 4, 2026 at 12:30 pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

In lieu of flowers, Frank’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to the MCC Barbara O. McGaughey Scholarship Endowment Fund (which benefits students enrolled in Mesa Community College's Nursing Program). Donations can be made through mesacc.edu/give-online, then click on MCC Scholarship Endowment and add in the comments box "Gift in Memory of Frank Morales for the MCC Barbara O. McGaughey Scholarship Endowment Fund #5391"

A Celebration of Life for Frank and his wife Susan is being planned for April, 2027.