Armando Joseph Maceyra, age 98, born January 14, 1923, of El Paso, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 7, 2021, in his hometown. Armando was a proud graduate of El Paso High School, Class of 1942, where he excelled academically and athletically. After high school, he applied his natural talent for engineering and craftsmanship to work for the Southern Pacific Railroad. When duty called, Armando proudly served in the Air Force in World War II in the 794th Bomb Squad in the China, Burma, India theater. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1945 but remained in the Reserves until 1952. He often shared his experiences serving in the war, his adventures on the island of Tinian in the Mariana Islands, in India, and how he lost his beloved brother, Edward, during the war flying his last mission in Germany.
After the war, he attended Texas College of Mines, where he majored in Electrical Engineering while working at Hotel Dieu Hospital in the Maintenance department. While at Hotel Dieu, he fell in love with a student nurse, Josephine Escarcega. In September of 1951, they married, and the following August, they welcomed their daughter, Catherine, into the world.
His professional career spanned several organizations over the years, all of which experienced his incredible work ethic. After working for Hotel Dieu, he went on to work for the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AFFES). After he departed from AFFES, he was employed by Farah Manufacturing Company in the Machine Shop. When Farah closed, he went to work with his brother-in-law’s concrete business in Arizona. Upon returning to El Paso, he secured a job with the University of Texas at El Paso as an HVAC Engineer and retired from there in 1992.
Armando had a wide array of interests, but he was best known for being a voracious learner, always sharing what he had recently read with his daughter and granddaughter. For the better part of his life, he spent every Sunday sipping ginger ale and playfully debating with his family about current affairs or the important matter of whether or not a hamburger counts as a hamburger if it doesn’t have a bun. His family always teased that his love of debate would have made him an excellent attorney. When he wasn’t consuming world news or celebrity gossip, he enjoyed working crossword puzzles, studying meteorology and weather patterns, and sharing his knowledge with others. Amidst his unassuming nature, Armando was also known for his great generosity and willingness to help a friend or family member in need.
Armando is survived by his devoted former wife, Josephine E. Maceyra, his only daughter, Catherine E. Magni, son-in-law, Joseph L. Magni, only granddaughter, Crystal M. Palomino, grandson-in-law, Juan F. Palomino Jr., and his great-granddaughter, Aurora E. Palomino, niece, Susan M. Jones, nephews Bill Phillips and Marc E. Escareno. He is preceded in death by his mother, Elodia Maceyra, Juliet Clutts (sister), Edward Maceyra (brother), Martha Ladwig (sister), Luis A. Maceyra (brother), and Elodia Escareno (sister).
Armando’s life will be celebrated, and his body laid to rest on Friday, March 5, 2021, at Funeraria del Angel Central, formerly Martin-Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79903.
A viewing will be from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Services will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, followed by a military burial at 2:00 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation at your comfort level to an active duty Military organization or any Military Veterans organization of your choosing.
