Refugio Estrada Jr.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Refugio Estrada, Jr, aka Cuco, Cuquito, or Junior. His suffering ended; he entered eternal rest on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 10:06 a.m. at Sierra Hospital. He died peacefully and was surrounded by his loving wife, Laura, and his loving family. Junior, Cuco, Grandpa Cookie, or Tio Cuco as he was known, was born in El Paso, TX on February 23, 1967 to The Late Refugio Estrada, Sr. and Maria Estrada.

Junior was a devoted husband to Laura for 23 years, a beloved brother, uncle, father, brother, God-father, brother-in-law, grandfather, dog daddy and friend. He was a lifelong resident of El Paso, TX and a successful business owner. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church and had great faith in God.

Loved ones left behind to mourn Junior and cherish his memories are Laura, his loving wife, mother (Maria), nine siblings (in order): Patricia Sandoval, (Angel, deceased), Josephina Sarid (Yossi), Ricardo Estrada (Blanca), Efrain Estrada, Cruzita Montoya (Vincent), Maricela Monsivaiz (Robert), Jose Estrada (Victoria), Rachel Ramirez (Ruben), and Jesus Estrada (Margarita); sisters-in-law: Enid Arellano, Nancy Arellano, Linda Hernandez, and Yvette Moller; and brother-in-law, Oscar Arellano (Isela).

Junior was the third oldest of the siblings and the oldest of the boys. At a very young age, before the Child Labor Laws took effect, he began working every summer in the onion fields with his parents and siblings. He quickly became the fastest to clip onions due to his resiliency and work ethic; he grew accustomed to working long hours from dawn to dusk, rain or shine (in dry or muddy onion fields). He worked very hard all his life and set the example for his siblings to follow. Junior received his Bachelor’s in Accounting from New Mexico State University in 2004, which propelled him to become a successful Accountant and business owner. Junior was devoted to his job and his customers. He did not allow his health complications prevent him from going to work. Sometimes, he would conduct business and return calls from the hospital bed. Junior had a heart of gold and a joyous personality. His customers enjoyed talking to him, and getting free advice from him; he became like family to some.

While Junior did not have children of his own, he stepped in and filled the role when he was called to for nieces that lost their father. He attended all important milestones (graduations, weddings, academic ceremonies, etc), celebrated every birthday, watched and cheered at countless soccer and softball games, walked nieces down the aisle at their weddings, provided advice, and was a shining light through difficult times. His love shone through to the next generation, as he experienced and loved grandfatherhood. The joyful moments spent with grandchildren (Serafina, Luna, Devin, Jude and Mila) filled his heart with so much love and light that helped carry him through even the darkest of times. His role as a parent, grandparent, tío, padrino will have a lasting impact to all who received his love.

Junior leaves many nieces and nephews that he immensely loved and vice versa. They include: Mireya Arellano (Alan), Cruz Sanchez (Edward), Cindy Sandoval, Natasha Natividad (Frank), Nicole Abeyta (Tim), Katrina Nesiba, Jessica Nesiba, Alex Estrada, Christopher Estrada, Bella Estrada, Diego Montoya, Matthew Montoya, Andy Montoya, Robert Monsivaiz, Arielle Monsivaiz, Charles Henry Monsivaiz, Vinnie Estrada, Geena Estrada, Frankie Estrada, Adrian Estrada, Dalia Estrada, Alfredo Estrada, Ryan Flores, Abraham Ramirez, Crystal Estrada, Miguel Estrada, Josue Rodriguez, Juan Rodriguez, Marisa Hernandez, Hector Hernandez, Marisela Arellano, Nathan Arellano, Nicholas Arellano, Noah Arellano, Kristopher Moller (Marissa), Ryan Moller, and Faith Moller.

Junior’s hobbies included going to the movies with Wifey, going to the Casino and then to Whataburger with Mom Maria and sister, listening to all kinds of music, and spending time with family.

Junior leaves behind his fur babies, Sandy and Bonita, while Roko, Lobo, and Chrissy met him at the Rainbow Bridge.

Junior experienced a steep health decline due to diabetes complications that started in 2022. His love for family, life, and God gave him the strength to endure multiple, extended hospital stays, painful treatments, mental health struggles, and chronic pain. His caretakers Juanita Garcia and Maria Chavez were angels on Earth and spent countless days and nights with him at home and in the hospital.

Special thanks from Junior’s family to Laura, his wife, who honored her vow to Junior, “to death do we part.”

Rest now Junior, we will miss you like crazy, no te imaginas cuánto nos duele. Nos duele “un chingo.” We will see you someday, but for now you will always be present in our hearts. We love you and you leave a big hole in our hearts.

A Visitation for Refugio will be held Monday, June 30, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest West Funeral Home, 5054 Doniphan Dr., El Paso, Texas 79932, with a Rosary beginning at 10:00 am. A Funeral Mass will follow at 2:00 PM at St Jude Catholic Church, 4006 Hidden Way, El Paso, Texas 79932.

Junior asked to be cremated. His Cremains inurnment will be at a later date with family only at Memory Gardens of the Valley

TO CELEBRATE THAT JUNIOR IS NOT LONGER IN PAIN, PLEASE WEAR BRIGHT COLORS / POR FAVOR USE VESTUARIO DE COLOR ALEGRE PARA CELEBRAR QUE CUCO YA NO TIENE DOLOR.