Peter Guzman, 69

Peter Montano Guzman, 69, passed away peacefully at his home in San Tan Valley, Ariz. on July 1, 2020. Peter was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Pedro and Anita Guzman and son, Paul Robert Guzman. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Roberta. He is also survived by daughters Jennifer (David) Elvira, Lisa Guzman, and son Preston Guzman, five grandchildren: Paul Robert, Preston Daniel, Alexandria Renee, Julianna Sariah, and Alicia Marie, and great-granddaughter, Audrina Selene. Peter is also survived by his brothers Ysidro, Jesse (Margie), and Aaron (Celestina).

Peter was born in Ray, Ariz. on Feb. 13, 1951. He grew up in the Hayden-Winkelman area and graduated from Hayden High School in 1969. He went on to earn his Bachelor and Master degrees from Northern Arizona University (NAU) and later earned his Administrator’s Certificate and Principalship/Superintendency from NAU as well. He and Roberta raised their children in Winkelman and Kearny, Ariz. Peter coached his children’s teams and was very involved in their education. He loved following his grandchildren’s sporting events and driving the importance of education in them as well. Throughout his career that began at Hayden-Winkelman Schools in 1973, he was a teacher, coach, athletic director, curriculum director, and principal until 2001. In 2002, Peter became the inaugural Cobre Valley Institute of Technology Superintendent. He remained in this position until his passing. Peter was hired by the Superior Unified School District in 2002. Peter was the elementary, junior high, and high school Principal and Superintendent during his tenure in Superior that ended in 2013. He had many accolades throughout his career

Peter was one-of-a-kind. He was one of the good guys. He loved his family to the fullest, and he let everyone know they were his priority. He was a humble and selfless man. Those who knew and loved him, will miss him dearly. A viewing/rosary (with restrictions) will be held on July 16, 2020 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Funeral Home, 1562 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ 85204. The rosary and eulogy will begin at 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held on July 17, 2020 beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a rosary prayer at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206. Mass (with restrictions) will begin at 11 a.m. The funeral services will be live-streamed online at Queen of Heaven’s website: https://www.qohcfh.org/obituaries/obituary-listings. Please contact funeral home and church for COVID-19 restrictions.