Category: Legends

Margaret “Peggy” Moroney is a beloved Tempe historian, educator and community volunteer whose decades of service have helped generations of residents connect with Tempe’s history. Peggy continues to bring the past to life as a docent, storyteller, tour guide and developer of engaging educational experiences.

She played a leading role in developing the educational tour for historic Eisendrath House, helping visitors understand the people, architecture and stories connected to Tempe’s distinctive “pink house on the hill.” She has also introduced countless residents to local history through her memorable portrayal of Tempe pioneer Estelle Hackett during programs at Hackett House and historic cemetery tours. Drawing upon careful research, warmth and humor, Peggy has a remarkable ability to make people from Tempe’s past feel relatable. Her educational work has also included interpretive tours at Petersen House and collaborations with the Tempe History Museum that encourage children and adults to experience history through storytelling.

A graduate of Tempe Leadership, she helped transform an unused high school classroom into Threadz, a welcoming, boutique-style resource where students can receive clothing, shoes, hygiene items and school supplies free of charge. She has also been deeply involved with the Tempe Woman’s Club and efforts to preserve its historic clubhouse as a place for continued public access, education and community programming.

Peggy’s has been honored with Tempe Leadership Outstanding Community Leadership Award and the City of Tempe’s 2023 Tempe Champion Award. She leads through curiosity, knowledge and joyful service. She is truly a Tempe Legend.

Ralph C. Flores was born in 1908 in San Cristobal, Sonora, Mexico and was age eleven when he arrived in Tempe with his family in 1921 from Douglas, Arizona, their home after leaving Mexico to escape the chaos of the Mexican Revolution. His father learned of the need for cotton pickers in Phoenix and that workers were being hired. The Flores family rode with Mexican families on a World War I Army truck and they were left in a corral near the Tempe Bridge.   Families were hired to pick cotton and produce on farms in Laveen and Phoenix, where the family remained for several years. Ralph grew into manhood and married his wife, Lupe, in 1934. By 1949 he and his wife and four children lived in the house he built in Tempe at 6^th Street and Farmer. Ralph became a plasterer and found construction work in Tempe. He helped build the rock baseball bleachers and walls at Tempe Beach Park and did construction work in new homes in growing Tempe. After his retirement from construction, Ralph worked for the Tempe School District as a handyman at the Rural Elementary School for ten years. As President of Tempe’s League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) , his leadership in civil rights work is well known. Ralph organized fund raisers for the children of Guadalupe and delivered gifts at Christmas and school supplies at the Frank Elementary school. Ralph C. Flores died in 2003.

For over 40 years, Kevin Daly was the beating heart of Tempe’s music community.

An exceptional guitarist and gifted songwriter, Kevin brought a bold, raw energy to rootsy music by mixing rockabilly sounds with a punk edge and fierce attitude. He performed in several notable local bands, including The Hoods, Grant & the Geezers, Grave Danger, Flathead, Trophy Husbands, and Kevin Daly’s Chicken & Waffles.

Kevin was much more than a talented musician; he opened doors and created spaces where others could thrive. His longtime Tempe residence—affectionately known as the “Swamp Shack”—doubled as a rehearsal space, recording studio, and garage where fellow hotrod enthusiasts restored vintage cars and motorcycles.

Even as he became a respected fixture in the local music scene, Kevin stayed humble and shared advice and support to help those around him succeed. Whether he was teaching a friend their first chords, welcoming a nervous newcomer to the stage, or opening doors with job opportunities, his encouragement was heartfelt. He tirelessly donated his time and talent to help friends with painting, home repairs, and moving. Kevin also helped many people on their recovery journeys.

To honor his extraordinary legacy, the City of Tempe declared December 11 Kevin Daly Day, ensuring his generous spirit will continue to inspire, unite, and uplift others for generations to come.

photo by Mark Eshelman

Antonia “Toni” Valenzuela Campoy was born in “La Cuarenta”, or “the 40” in Spanish, which refers to the 40-acre homestead site granted to the Yaquis in 1914 in Guadalupe. She previously served on the Guadalupe Town Council, Guadalupe Yaqui Cultural Organization, and the Guadalupe Centro de Amistad board. Toni holds the associate degree from Mesa Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies from ASU. She is a two-time recipient of the Tempe District’s Impact Award, which acknowledges her work with Yaqui and indigenous students while improving their academic achievements and increasing parent involvement. For 17 years Toni began teaching Yaqui History and Culture class to students at South Mountain Community College. Her tri-lingual skills: English, Yaqui, and Spanish, are the key to her success with pupils in the Tempe and Guadalupe public schools. Toni served on the Yaqui Tribal Council and helped improve better working relationships with the Tempe City Council in helping attain the goals and achievements of the two cities. Their shared relationship promoted improvements in housing and health services for Guadalupe-Tempe families and seniors. As a career educator for over 56 years, Toni used the academic training acquired in the Tempe Elementary School District, Mesa Community College, South Mountain Community College and Arizona State University in the areas of elementary education, curriculum development, Yaqui history, culture, and language. She has won numerous honors and awards for her teaching efforts and improving the academic achievement of Native American students.  

Gabino “Gabby” Montana (1930-2025), born in Bowie, Arizona in 1930, graduated from Bowie High School in 1948 and joined the U.S. Army. He used the GI Bill in 1954 to attend Arizona State Teacher’s College, now called Arizona State University, and became a life-time member of “Los Conquistadores”, the first Mexican American student organization founded in 1937. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in 1958 and began his 35-year engineering career with Garrett AiResearch and retired in 1992. By 2020, Gabby was President and the last surviving member of “Los Conquistadores”. He donated the “Los Conquistadores” bank balance of $482.38 to the Scholarship Fund of ASU’s Chicano Latino Faculty and Staff Association, founded in1970. After its 83 years of history, “Los Conquistadores” came to its closure as an ASU student/alumni organization. We honor Gabby for sharing with us Tempe’s Latino heritage and historical connection to ASU.