Juan Antonio Banda, 68, who family and friends knew as Tony, passed away Monday, December 14,
2020, in Gilbert, AZ after succumbing to a rare form of Leukemia.

Tony was born on November 30,1952 to Guadalupe (Rojas) Banda and Antonio Rojas, in Ahualulco,
Jalisco, Mexico. When he was three years old, he immigrated with his family to Superior, AZ. He grew up
with a loving family and surrounded by many dear friends. He graduated from Superior High School in
1971 and thereafter attended Arizona State University for one year before being drafted into the United
States Army during the Vietnam War.  While training as a soldier, he excelled and thrived, graduating in
the top percentile of a training class composed of hundreds of dedicated men. He developed a
confidence that served him well as a leader in several aspects of life and various business endeavors.
After achieving the rank of Army Corporal 4 in the Core of Engineers, he was honorably discharged and
returned to ASU completing his studies and earning a bachelors degree in business management.
Tony was blessed with two sons, Sergio Antonio Banda (32) and Marco Antonio Banda (15). He was
ever present and loving to both children and was extremely proud of them. Graciously, he served as a
father figure to Easton Quiroz and Aydan Soto, whom he loved as his own sons. He was incredibly
generous of his time, knowledge, and resources to his many nieces, nephews, extended family and
friends.

Tony never married and was the eternal bachelor. During his life, he had many loves whom he cherished
and held dear in his heart.  He kept these women close even after the relationships were over. These
women became his lifelong friends and he continued to support and guide them.
Throughout his life, Tony managed and owned several businesses including auto repair shops with his
brothers and an advertising firm which he cofounded after working with Univision. Finally, Tony worked
as a consultant helping many small businesses get started and succeed throughout the greater Phoenix
area. His most recent venture was with Marques Entertainment.

Tony had too many wonderful friends from his various stages of life to mention. He will be remembered
by them as being loyal and steadfast. He was always there for them, as they were for him. His friends
became family for life. He was a mentor to many and served as a source of aide and guidance to all. This
was his calling and how he will be remembered by many who knew him and called him a friend. He was
quick to give and never asked for anything in return.
By nature, Tony was reserved and serious. He was studious in his younger years and meticulous in his
later years. He will be remembered as always being well dressed in and groomed to perfection. He took
pride in his appearance. His style was one of class and dignity. He didn't laugh easily, but when one was
able to tease laughter of out of him, he lit up the room. He loved music and dancing. He loved good
Mexican food and always remembered the great food his mother made. He enjoyed spending the
holidays with his sons and extended family.

Tony is survived by his sons Sergio and Marco, sisters Carmen Banda Oberg (Bill) and Maria Ybarra
(Michael), brothers Julio and Raymond Banda, and stepsister Teddy Campos. He is also survived by
many nieces, nephews, grandnephews, and grandnieces.

Tony is predeceased in death by his mother Guadalupe Banda, stepfather Ramon Banda, stepsisters
Maria Banda Rosas, Emma Banda, Frances Banda, stepbrother Tony Banda, and his godparents Otillio
and Josephina Gudiño.