Lucky Tortice, Sr.

Lucky Tortice, Sr. of McNary, Arizona died Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at the Boswell Banner Medical Center in Sun City, Arizona. He was 59 years old. Lucky was born October 11, 1951 in McNary, Arizona to Adam and Irene (Lavender) Tortice. Lucky was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. He worked for FATCO as a lumber grader for many years and also was a sergeant for the Whiteriver Police Department. Lucky was an easy going and soft-spoken gentle man. He was devoted to his family and lived to serve their needs. He was a dedicated and exemplary father to his children and absolutely adored his grandchildren. Lucky also appreciated good music and loved to go out and "cut a rug." When he did go dancing, Lucky would always wear his disco shirt "unbuttoned all the way to his belt." And he never felt his ensemble was complete until he was wearing his platform boots. Lucky lived his life fully and happily. He was always a strong man; both physically and emotionally. In March of 2006 he faced one of the greatest trials of his life when his daughter, Andrianna Tortice died. Then, in November of that same year, Lucky was dealt another blow when another daughter, Katherine Tortice died. Following the deaths of his beloved daughters, Lucky's own health began to decline and continued to deteriorate until he passed away last week. Lucky's family finds comfort in the fact that he has been re-united with his beautiful daughters, Andrianna and Katherine, however, they will miss him greatly. Lucky Tortice, Sr. is survived by his 8 children: Roberto Tortice of Whiteriver, Arizona, Lucky Tortice, Jr. of McNary, Arizona, Alberto Tortice of South Hampton, New York, Gabriel Tortice of McNary, Arizona, Paul Tortice of Phoenix, Arizona, Tanya Tortice of McNary, Arizona, Daisy Tortice of McNary, Arizona, Dawana Tortice of Phoenix, Arizona; 2 sisters: Abigail Wilson of McNary, Arizona, Lydia Baha-Alchesay of Bylas, Arizona; 2 brothers: Tex Tortice, Sr. of McNary, Arizona, Lex Tortice, Sr. of McNary, Arizona; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A 2 day wake will begin 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 14, 2011 at the family residence in McNary, Arizona. The funeral service will begin 1:00 P.M., Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the McNary High School Gym in McNary, Arizona. The concluding service and interment will follow at the McNary Cemetery. Lucky's family is thankful to everyone who has expressed their sympathies to them through thought and deed and are grateful for all the prayers that have been offered on their behalf.