Raul Encizo Jr.

Raul Encizo Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughter Angela Renee Pholphiboun, her husband Ken, and his long-time partner Duchess Sotello on Aug. 17, 2023. As he made his way to his final resting place, he listened to some of his favorite artists: Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and Santana.

Raul was born on May 8, 1953, in Globe-Miami, Arizona, to Ernestina and Raul Encizo. Growing up, he was the second youngest of the family and loved hanging out with his siblings, Tom Encizo (Christine), John Encizo (Minerva), Virgie Bejarano (Jimmy) and Ernest Encizo. He was especially close with his youngest brother, Ernest, sharing many of the same interests.

Inspired by his dad’s love of music and trumpet-playing skills, Raul learned to play the saxophone in 4th grade and enjoyed taking lessons through 5th grade. He carried this passion for music throughout his life and passed this love down to his children. He played baseball in the summer for the farm and little leagues and later basketball for Miami High School, where he graduated in 1971. He was very interested in the human mind and collected a library of books on psychology. He thought about pursuing a career in psychiatry, but instead started a career in copper mining in 1971 at the Inspiration Copper Company, following in the footsteps of his dad. He purchased a red Ford van, which he loved very much, took courses to learn how to customize it, and then used it for long drives and campouts on his days off from work.

In 1978, he met his spiritual partner, Judy Short, becoming a father figure for her children: Frank McGinnis, Liza Napolitano, Dr. Anna McCauley and Les Frey. Raul and Judy had their daughter, Angela Renee, in 1980. He taught Anna how to play baseball and kickball and throw a football, fostering her love for sports. He supported Angela Renee’s love for dancing by taking her to lessons and made her an avid reader by building her an extensive book collection. He enjoyed riding ATVs, and playing video and board games with Anna, Angela Renee and Les. Anna and Angela Renee shared his passion for psychology, having studied all the books in his collection, and both received bachelor’s degrees in psychology from the University of Arizona. He helped Judy raise Liza’s kids throughout the years and became Jacob Napolitano’s permanent guardian. He and Jacob were inseparable, enjoying many hobbies together.

In 1998, he met Duchess Sotello and became an integral part of her family, helping raise her daughter Ashley Sotello and her grandson Ben Sotello and spending time with her sons, Samson Sotello (Stacy) and Lenno Sotello (Bonita). He enjoyed celebrating holidays and forming traditions with them, especially playing their homemade games “catch the ball” and “unwrap the object.” When he retired from Freeport-McMoRan in 2015, he and Duchess spent more time doing what they loved together, driving through serene areas, gardening, binge-watching shows, watching Western movies and playing Yahtzee.

Raul was the embodiment of a kind spirit and caretaker. He loved collecting rocks, hiking, fishing, gardening, going to concerts, eating menudo and, most importantly, spending time with his two partners, nine children, 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Services were held on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at Bulman Miles Globe Chapel, Globe. Visitation was at 1 p.m., with a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m.

The family is being assisted by Bulman Miles Funeral Services Globe. Family and friends are encouraged to visit the online memorial at www.BulmanMiles.com.