Obituary of Daniel Ronquillo

Life Legacy Daniel Ramon Ronquillo, 84, of Tucson, AZ passed away peacefully on May 29, 2018, in his home, surrounded by family and friends. Daniel was born November 15, 1933 in Oracle, AZ. He was the youngest of 10 siblings, all of which have preceded him in death. On May 11, 1957, Daniel married his loving companion, Dora, who has survived him. Before passing, Daniel and Dora celebrated their 61 anniversary. For 21 years, Daniel faithfully served our country in the U.S. Air Force. He was deployed many times during the Viet Nam War. As an Air Force Technical Sergeant, his responsibilities included working on military aircraft, one of which is housed at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, AZ. This plane, Lockheed EC-121T Warning Star (Air Force Serial No. 53-0554), was of special significance to Daniel. Those that knew him best will often recall his telling of the final time he worked on this plane, when he learned that the war was over. While running the engines on May 6th, 1974, his commanding officer read a TWIX that said “Cease all operations and prepare aircraft for return to McClellan AFB. The war is over.” Daniel often spoke of his time in the military with fondness. His military career took him all over the world, including Southeast Asia and Madrid, Spain. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked in the Engineering Department at Tucson Medical Center for over 20 years before retiring permanently. Daniel is survived by his 4 children, Christine Miranda, Daniel Steven Ronquillo (Michael John Murphy), Mary Theresa Valencia (Ernest Valencia Sr.) and Patricia Ann Olma (Mark Olma), 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.