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It is with great sadness, the family shares the passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, colleague, godfather, classmate, teammate and friend to so many, Pris R. Avalos.
Pris R. Avalos passed away on July 5, 2020, in Phoenix, Ariz. Pris R. Avalos was preceded in death by his Father, Priciliano G. Avalos. Pris is survived by his mother, Esther R. Avalos, sisters Cynthia Hernandez and Yvonne Avalos, nephews Richard Hernandez Jr. and Matthew Hernandez.
Pris was born in Globe, Ariz. on March 3, 1955. He attended George Washington and Buena Vista Schools in Miami, Ariz. When his parents moved to Globe, he attended East Globe School. His love and passion to play football began at the age of 12 years old and he was awarded 1st place in the annual Ford Punt, Pass and Kick competition. Pris continued to play football in high school and was a 1973 graduate of Globe High School.
After high school, Pris received a scholarship to play football at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona, led by Hall of Fame coach Paul Widmer and Assistant Coach Paul Waddell. Pris won 2 national college championships with Mesa Community College and was a teammate of the 1st Mesa football team to win a NJCAA National Championship in 1973. In 2013, Pris, his coaching staff and teammates were honored to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of its title.
Pris was later recruited by the coaching staffs from Michigan and Oklahoma, but his heart was to stay in Arizona and he was accepted to play for his beloved Arizona State University Sun Devils, led by Hall of Fame football coach Frank Kush. Through his tough practices and scrimmages, Pris found himself wrapping and icing his knee, scheduling knee surgeries and ultimately he had to make tough decisions that the future health of his knee took precedent over continuing to play football.
A wonderful tribute to Pris from the Arizona State University Athletic Department can be read at https://thesundevils.com/news/2020/7/20/sun-devil-football-mourns-the-loss-of-pris-avalos.aspx
After his football career, he continued to support Mesa Community College and Arizona State University football programs and various charity events such as ASU Macho Mania, ASU Alumni events, sports luncheons. Pris was grateful to God to be given the opportunity to attend college on scholarship, to play for Hall of Fame coaches and staff, celebrate national championships and to have lifelong friendships.
Pris developed his careers in electrical and water systems and worked at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station and CAP.
Pris was a devoted Catholic and was a parishioner at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Parish in North Phoenix. He often volunteered at church and donated to local charities and animal shelters. Pris loved to travel. You would find him in Scotland, Cape Canaveral, ASU Rose Bowl games, Camp Tontozona with ASU Football, out of state ASU Football games, Rocky Point and Roosevelt Lake.
Pris loved his pets, both furry and eccentric. Pris was a protective, tough, loving big Brother.
Pris had an incredibly special bond with his Mother, Esther. He would always call her to talk about anything and everything, about his future plans and upcoming events. Pris recently celebrated her at a recent birthday party with family and friends. He loved her world famous food, especially her homemade tortillas, tamales and menudo and every year for his birthday, he couldn’t wait to eat her traditional homemade 3-layer German Chocolate cake with a large glass of milk.
Pris called Arizona home for 65 years. He lived a fun, full, adventurous life to the MAX. A loving son. A football champion. A free spirit. A storyteller. A protective brother. A caring cousin. A loyal friend. A true original.
We are heartbroken and devastated by Pris’ passing. We will all cherish every moment and memory spent with him and he will be forever missed.
Pris R. Avalos’ viewing, Catholic chapel service and burial was held on July 22, 2020 at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Funeral Home, Mesa, Arizona. A celebration of Pris’ life will be held at a later date.
