Carlos B. Uzeta Sr.

Carlos Benjamin Uzeta, 85, died peacefully on February 9, 2017 and was reunited with his wife, the love of his life for 49 years, Blanca Alicia Gutierrez Uzeta, who preceded him in death by ten years. He was a graduate of El Paso High School and received an associates degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Cal Aero in Los Angeles, California and his Physics degree from Texas Western College.

Our father was a dedicated family man, the rock of our family, and was truly loving and compassionate towards others. He was a lifelong Democrat, always passionate about politics and, as a trained engineer, was intellectually curious and fascinated to learn how things worked. He was mesmerized by the engineering feats of the Incas and traveled twice to Machu Picchu, Peru to study the marvels of the ruins. In his younger years, he participated in several marathons and half marathons, often placing first in what he called “the geezer category.” He was especially proud of the four times he did the grueling Bataan Death March, a 26 mile marathon at White Sands. He completed his last one was when he was 71 years old.

He was forever influenced by the discipline and rigor instilled in him by the Army, where he spent two years in Germany as a draftsman in the 5th Engineer Battalion. In 1953 while working for North American Aviation in California, he was part of the testing team when Scott Crossfield broke the sound barrier. He later worked for several defense industry companies, including Braddock, Dunn & MacDonald, in which he was one of the original members, Raytheon and RAM. He was also the owner of a mechanical heating and cooling company, Mexia Mechanical Contracting.

Our father was deeply involved in his community, serving on the El Paso Chapter of the American Society of Heating & Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE), including several terms as its president, the Solar and Alternative Energy Advisory Board under the President Jimmy Carter Administration, and on the board of JUNTA Patriotica Mexicana in conjunction with the Mexican Consulate here in El Paso.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carlos and Aurora Uzeta and siblings Xavier Uzeta, Martha Dominguez and Gloria Loweree. Pop is survived by his children, Blanca Uzeta O’Leary (Cavanaugh), Carlos B. Uzeta, Jr., Maricela Uzeta Pappas, Ana Uzeta White (Tim), Jaime Ernesto Uzeta (Amanda); his eleven grandchildren, John Michael Pappas, Melissa Ryan Pappas, Laura Elena Pappas, Victoria Alicia White, Maggie Elizabeth White, Alexa Marie White, Ben Uzeta III, Cavanaugh O’Leary, III, Mina Enayati Uzeta and Rohan Enayati Uzeta; and his beloved sister, Carolina Uzeta Chavez.

Our family would also wish to profoundly thank the entire staff of the Golden Park Senior Home where our father spent his last months and where he enjoyed a meaningful life, full of comfort and joy. We would like to especially thank Pita, Dania and Teresita.

Visitation will be Monday, February 20, 2017, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, at Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX 79912. A Rosary will be held Monday, February 20, 2017, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home West 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX 79912. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, at the Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1551 Belvidere St., El Paso, TX 79912, immediately followed by the Graveside Service, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave., El Paso, TX 79906.