Cecil C Arzu

On Monday, February 23, 2026, Cecil C. Arzu Sr., the beloved patriarch of the Arzu family, passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Born on November 22, 1932, to Beneto and Crescentia Arzu, Cecil was a proud native of the vibrant coastal town of Punta Gorda, Belize. It was his upbringing there that shaped his strong sense of family, community, and perseverance—values that remained central to his character and the home he would create.

Cecil was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Josephine Palacio Arzu, on June 7, 1958. Sharing the same roots in their hometown of Punta Gorda, they built a life defined by devotion, together raising seven beautiful children who remain their greatest legacy.

Driven by an early ambition to see the world, Cecil’s journey led him to the United States, where he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 13, 1953. He later transitioned to the U.S. Air Force, where he dedicated the remainder of his military career. His military service took him across the globe, providing him the opportunity to live and travel overseas while serving his country.

Following his service, he earned an Associate Degree in Sociology from San Bernardino Valley College. He went on to have a distinguished career as a Youth Work Supervisor for the San Bernardino County Probation Department, where he served for many years as a dedicated mentor and guide to local youth. He was a firm believer in the power of education, always championing the value of being educated.

Cecil was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family, following international soccer, and cheering on his Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Cecil will forever be remembered for his strength, kindness, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on through the generations he helped guide and inspire.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Josephine Palacio Arzu, and their daughter, Anna Marie Arzu

He is preceded in death by his siblings Paula Lino; Pressy Martinez; Teo Apolonio; Mary Arzu; Paul Arzu; Julian Arzu; Angel Arzu

He is survived by his children:

Michael Arzu Sr. and his wife Lorrie; Thomas Arzu and his wife Lorena; Rachel Arzu; Philip Arzu and his wife Nichole; Cecil Arzu Jr.; Tony Arzu and his wife Amra

He is survived by his grandchildren:

Michael Jr. and his partner Kizzy; Vanessa; Jimmy; Anna and her husband Brad; Robert and his fiancé Amanda; Yelenna and her husband Abel; Arlene; Cassandra; Ruben; Aaron and his partner Denise; Avery; Ryan; Eli; Aiden; Lahaina

He is survived by his great-grandchildren:

Noah; Dominick; Micah; Denise; Johnathan; Serynna; Elaina; Kaia; Aaron II; Phoenix; Ruben; Naomi; Sebastian; Elizabeth; Keldrick (bonus great-grandchild); Willie (bonus great-grandchild); Giselle (bonus great-grandchild)

Viewing:

· Date: April 7, 2026

· Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

· Location: Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery (Dignity Memorial)

· Address: 570 E Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92404

Rosary and Memorial Mass:

· Date: April 7, 2026

· Time: 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM

· Location: St. Adelaide Church

· Address: 27457 Base Line St, Highland, CA 92346

Burial Service:

· Date: April 7, 2026

· Time: 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM

· Location: Riverside National Cemetery

· Address: 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518