Paul Palma Licano

Posted

Paul Palma Licano, age 79, of Miami, Ariz. passed away on April 18, 2017 at his residence surrounded by family.
He was born in Miami, Ariz. on Aug. 28, 1937, the son of Jose and Beatrice (Palma) Licano.
Paul attended Miami High School, where he excelled in the sport of Track and Field, holding the record in the mile run for many years past his graduation in 1956.
On Sept. 5, 1957 he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the Signal Corp. and was based in Korea. He attended the University of California at Fresno studying psychology.
During the summer, Paul would find work at the local mine, returning to Fresno in September for school. In the summer of 1961, he met Elvira Reyes and on Dec. 11, 1964 they were married. They raised three children; Paul, Robert and Rebecca (Coleman) Licano.
He worked for the local mine, Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company and was instrumental in the organization of the Union. During his mining career, he attained the positon as General Foreman of the Control Room at the Smelter. After leaving the mine, he worked as a mining consultant in India and Africa. During these years, he would return home with empty suitcases so he could fill them up with aspirin, reading glasses, shoes and clothes for the poverty stricken employees of the mines he was consulting for.

Paul finally retired and began his civil service for the Town of Miami, for whom many still remember and called him “The Mayor.” Paul assisted many people with the filing of legal forms to obtain their “Cancer Money,” which is called the Down-winders Program. He became a frequent visitor of his Alma matter to secure their school records, the Office of Vital Statistics, various County Offices and Doctor Offices. All without compensation.
He was an avid reader and lover of jazz, history, antiques and photography.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Beatrice Licano; siblings, Joe Licano, Johnny Licano and Debra Licano Guerra; and great grandson, Jaycob Licano.
He is survived by his wife, Elvira Reyes Licano of Miami; sons, Paul (Belinda) Licano and Robert Licano of Miami; daughter, Rebecca (Allen) Coleman of Goodyear; grandchildren, Joseph and Kimberly Licano of Chandler, Daniel and Ashley Licano of Mesa, Nicholas and Candice Gaona of Hayden, Vanessa Licano of Goodyear, Chase – Raihanna – Mason Coleman of Goodyear, and Antonio – Christopher – Eddie Ortega of Miami; and great-grandchildren, Joseph – Kaylee – Riley Licano of Chandler, Charles Licano of Mesa, Emma Licano of Goodyear, and Yarencia – Keikikalani – Angelito Gaona of Hayden.