Dionicio F. Elias, Jr. 12/9/1922 - 7/28/2010 Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend was called to be with our Lord on July 28, 2010. Dionicio was survived by his adoring wife, Thelma and was preceded in death by his first wife, Celia (Romero) and his sister, Delia; he is also survived by his sister, Edna; his brothers, Drake and Thomas; his seven children, four stepchildren, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of who loved him very much. Born into one of the Tucson Pioneer families, "Nicho", (as he was affectionately known), proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII with an honorable discharge. During his service, as a Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator and a M1 Carbine Sharpshooter, he was awarded Two Bronze Stars, a Bronze Service Arrowhead, the WWII Victory Medal, and Medals for the Liberation of the Philippines, amongst others. He survived Campaigns at Luzon, New Guinea, and the Philippines, which was the fall of many of his brave comrades. Upon returning home from the war, Nicho enrolled at the University of Arizona, where he played baseball under legendary Coach J.F. "Pop" McKale. He continued to play baseball professionally in the Longhorn League, as an outfielder for the Amarillo Gold Sox. Through many years of continuing education, he earned his bachelor's degree from the University of AZ in 1975. In 1948, he joined the Tucson Fire Department and served his community as a firefighter for the next 31 years, rising to the rank of Battalion Chief. He retired from TFD in 1979 and continued his Fire/Safety career with IBM until his second retirement in 1990. Not slowed by retirement, Nicho remained as avid golfer, with two holes-in-one and a best score of 57 at the local Golf Course "Dorado" where he continued to play with his Golf Buddies until his recent departure. In addition, he traveled extensively for nearly 20 years, was in regular attendance as a season-ticket holder and livelong Arizona Wildcat. He remained a devoted family man who enjoyed sharing his life with loved ones. We will miss him deeply and always. May the Lord give him eternal rest and may His light shine upon him forever! Services will be held on Friday, August 6, 2010 at ABBEY FUNERAL HOME, 3455, 1st Avenue, with the Viewing from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with a prayer reading at 6:30 p.m. and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1946 E. Lee Street. Burial will be at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Road. Arrangements by ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL. 520-888-1111.