Joseph Pompa

Joseph Richard Pompa aka “Butch”, 70, of Glendale, Arizona, passed away on April 7, 2019 at Banner Thunderbird Hospital, Phoenix, AZ. Butch was born August 1, 1948 in Glendale, AZ, on the kitchen table at La Perla Café, to Joseph P. Pompa and Eva Macias Pompa. He graduated from Glendale High School in 1966 and received his Associates degree from Glendale Community College. He had ambitions to become a fighter jet pilot after college but color blindness and family circumstances took priority. After his mother, Eva, passed in 1973, and his sisters Sylvia, Joanne and Gloria pursued their own careers, Butch was the successor to manage and operate La Perla. With the help of his sisters and many other family members, Butch helped turn La Perla from a small café to an established family restaurant and bar – also known as the oldest and most successful Mexican restaurant in Glendale, Arizona. Butch enjoyed life, spending time with his friends and family. He loved a good laugh and joke. Butch made you feel welcomed, like you were part of the family. He had a soft heart for those in need. He shared advice and opportunities to those who needed it. He was a pillar in the community - working with local Hispanic organizations and worthy causes. He frequented local restaurants, fiestas and made friends everywhere he went. He loved all Arizona team sports, especially the Cardinals. He was a spiritual man and often provided guidance through the word of God. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him. Butch is survived by his sisters, Sylvia and Joanne, children, Angela, Gabriel, Kristopher, Tim and Matthew, grandchildren, Julio, Angelica, Nikki, Stephan, Eladio, Diego, Camilla, Alex, Julian, Donovan, TJ and Andrew. Butch is preceded in death by his parents and sister Gloria. * Wednesday, April 17, 2019, 9:30am-11a - Rosary and Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 5614 West Orangewood Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301. * Thursday, April 18, 2019 – Funeral service will be held at Menke Funeral and Cremation Center, 12420 North 103rd Avenue, Sun City, Arizona 85351. The viewing will be held from 9a-11a. Then a celebration of life from 11-12p. Burial will follow the funeral at 1pm, Rest Haven Cemetery, 6450 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301. Reception will follow the Burial at 2:30p, The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 7575 N. 67th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Angela (Pompa) Monteon. The family of Joseph R. Pompa “Butch” thank you.