Corrected 8/15; 5:28 a.m.
WILLIAMS — We have learned of the passing of Fedrico “Perico” Avila who passed away at the Peaks in Flagstaff. Mr. Avila had been at the Flagstaff Medical Center for knee surgery and was transferred to the Peaks for rehabilitation. We believe he was 83-years old.
Mr. Avila was a well-known Korean veteran and Chaplain for the American Legion Cordova Post #13. He worked hard to conduct the service for Memorial Day each year in Williams.
He was born in Williams and returned after his service to paint signs around town. During each holiday he was busy painting holiday images on windows adding his unique signature. He was a well-loved person who remained active in the community until his untimely passing.
Our prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow veterans.
Bless you Perico. Thank you for your service. I always enjoyed our opportunity together in Search and Rescue to talk about Williams and it’s history. God Bless.
Thank you for your service. and my condolences to the family. GOD bless
Perico was a great comrade to us in the American Legion and the community of Williams. You will be sorely missed
We moved out of Williams in 1978 but would return a couple times each year to visit the cemetery. My father, Fred Augenstein was born and raised in Williams and always talked very highly of Mr Avila. Well when my dad passed away in 2009, Mr Avila was there to present us with his flag. I was actually at the cemetery earlier this summer and saw Mr Avila driving around checking on things as I’ve seen him do so many times before. What am incredibly selfless man. May God Bless his family at this difficult time. Our prayers are with you. Julie (Augenstein) Mitchell and family.
Thank you for having such a wonderful dad! My grandmother also grew up in Williams, Felice Ornelas Burghardt, as well as my great grandfather, Frank Ornelas, and great aunt, Gloria Ornelas. I loved both Fred and Johnny as they were both my bus drivers. They were wonderful and always were friendly. I graduated with Brian Augenstein.
It’s amazing how we are all connected in such a large world. I’m glad you remember my Uncle Johnny and Grandfather Fred so fondly. They are both buried in the same plot as my parents. God Bless you in this time.
Thank you for your years of service Perico….I also thank you for the long years, Sundays and / or nights you worked on signs for me for the last 31 years. No more pain…..Vaya con Dios, Amigo….Vaya con Dios….
Thank you Dave and Lugene.
This is the service information from Perico’s oldest son, Freddie. Thank uh everyone for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers during this difficult time.
Good afternoon. Services for my dad are planned for Friday, August 19th at 9:30 am (rosary), 10:00 am for mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Williams. We are working on a viewing, possibly Thursday evening. I will update this information as soon as I know. Thank you.
Thank you for this information. We just received it tonight, but are waiting for the viewing information to post.
I am the Chaplain for Area C, Northern Arizona and knew your father. Could I say a few words at the funeral?
Sherie Mercier
Sherie, please. You AR emote than welcome to say a few words.
Greatly appreciated Freddie