Pablo Curiel Mata

Pablo married Oralia Perez Mata at the age of 19, who he now joins in heaven. He was a father of six: Heriberto, Samuel, Esther, Noemi, Pablo Jr. and Prisila. He had 16 grandchildren: Teresa, Gloria, Adreana, Francisca, Heriberto Jr., Jessica, Briana, Isaac, Marisela, Elizabeth, Enedina, Consuelo, Luis, Santiago, Lucas, and Melinda. He was also blessed with six great grandchildren: Abigail, Joshua Jr., Alexandria, Cole, Austin and Jace. A few of his last words were, “tell the girls to take care of the babies” and “tell the boys to hit home runs”.

Although Pablo lost his parents at a young age, he grew up with his siblings Esther, Felix and Arturo; they were extremely close. He now joins them in heaven. He also had a lifelong friend he referred to as Chichi. He spoke of Chichi’s mother and how she mended his pants and gave him food. He loved his friend and they stood together through thick and thin. He now joins him in heaven.

Pablo was a “jack of all trades”. He could fix a car, lay concrete, do electrical, build a home from the bottom up, and figure out how to lower a master cooler from the roof with only one helper; but, he loved his trade as a master plumber the most. He was devoted to sharing his work ethic, knowledge, and skills with all of his children and challenged them to think, problem solve, and learn.

Pablo lived his life doing for others as he believed God did for him. For many years he lived off of the freeway behind the Nebraska Church of God; therefore, it was often that travelers would knock on his door seeking help. He would allow them to shower, provide them with a change of clothing, food, rest, and work. He helped many build their homes, fix their plumbing, and much more. He purchased bathroom faucets just to give them away. He built at least 15 homes for his friends and relatives and never expected anything in return.

Pablo was an individual who inspired many. He was strong and tough on the outside but a beautiful, caring, sensitive, and understanding person on the inside. He tried to keep others from making mistakes but also believed in learning from the experience. Quotes he shared included, “You are not the first nor will you be the last to go through tough times or make a mistake”, “Let’s fix it and move on”, “Work hard but smart”, “Don’t dwell on it, figure it out”.

Pablo passed on October 23, 2017 surrounded by family and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel South Lawn, Tucson, AZ.