Ultimo Les Contilli

Ultimo Les' Contilli, 78, died Thursday, August 11, 2011 in Mesa. Les was born November 9, 1932, in Chicago, Il, the last son born to Beniamino and Sabina Contilli. He will be greatly missed by his family. Les worked as a machinist at Western Electric in Chicago, Il, retiring when he was 62. He married Carole Ann Olsen in 1956, and they had two daughters, Robin and Corrine. They later divorced. He lived in Illinois until 1985 then moved to Mesa, to be close to his daughters, eventually moving to the White Mountains with his oldest daughter and son-in-law, where he has been a resident for the past 17 years. Les proudly served his country in the United States Army and received the Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, and was honorably discharged. He transferred to the Army Reserves to complete his eight years service under the UMT and Service Act. Les was a devout Catholic, and attended St. Rita's Church in Show Low. He enjoyed golf, sports and his favorite hobby was traveling to Laughlin and betting on football games, which he was pretty good at. "Dad" was a regular customer of Pat's Place and went there for breakfast after church on Sunday, until it closed. He loved helping his daughters and sons-in-law build their houses in the late 90s in Pinedale, doing whatever he could. He is survived by his daughters and their spouses: Robin (Dale) McClain and Corrine (Mark) Ruiz; two grandsons: Michael and Sean Boyd; sister and brother-in-law, Gloria (Tom) Bassi; brother Vito Contilli; and many nieces and nephews; his beloved dogs, Candy and Molly, and his favorite chihuahua's Lucy and Riko, who adored their grandpa". He was preceded in death by his former wife, Carole Olsen, parents, and three brothers: Joey, Danny and Hank. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 18, at Owens Livingston Mortuary-White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low. A graveside service including military honors will immediately follow at the Lakeside Cemetery. A celebration of his life will follow for family and friends for lunch (on your own) at Licano's, 573 W. Deuce of Clubs in Show Low. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled arrangements.