Lionel Anthony Villalpando, known to everyone as Buddy, reluctantly left us all on August 18, 2023, after 87 years of unreal service to his family and friends. Buddy was born in Jerome Arizona on November 18, 1935 to Leo Villalpando and Josephine Carrera Villalpando. The family moved to Phoenix when he was four years old.  After graduating from Phoenix Union High School, Buddy entered the Army in 1954. He quickly became a sergeant and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After serving in the Army, he attended Arizona State University and graduated with a BS in Business Administration. While at ASU, Buddy met Eleanor Parker. They were married in 1957 and had four children: Mark, Janis, Julie, and Tom. He started working for Ducommun Metals, a distributor of metals and alloys to the aerospace industry and was with the firm for more than 25 years. Bud loved ASU, hunting, golf, cutting horses, sport fishing, socializing, and, of course, the Sun Devils! He had a great interest in geography and history and learned everything he could about the subjects. Many people were “educated” by Buddy on the Southwest, Arizona and particularly about Phoenix. In 1987, he met Carol Erickson and they have been together ever since. They loved their grandchildren, Parker and Bryce, as well as spending time at Durant’s, The Monastery, and Phoenix City Grill. In 2018, after retirement, Buddy and Carol moved to Tubac, AZ where fate brought them to the Grumpy Gringo Cigar Shop. Buddy, Carol, his son Mark and his wife Claren purchased the Shop and have truly made it a community gathering place. Buddy was a fixture on the porch and could always be found holding court, most likely with a scotch in his hand. His last years were spent meeting new people and regaling them with stories about Arizona, its history and his life. Buddy always spoke of the magic of Tubac, was so happy to be there. He spent his last years in exactly the place he wanted to be with people he loved! Buddy is survived by his wife Carol Erickson, his sister Carrie Babina, his son Mark Villalpando (Claren Scott), his daughter Janis Villalpando, his grandson Parker Villalpando and his granddaughter Bryce Villalpando, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and the many out-of-this-world friends who supported him throughout the final years of his life. There are so many friends, it is impossible to name everyone. Donations can be made in Buddy’s name to: Santa Cruz Humane Society, 232 E Patagonia Hwy, Nogales, AZ 85621