Refugio "Cuco" Partida

July 4, 1933 – May 13, 2026

Our father, a lifelong resident of El Paso, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of May 13, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by his loving family. He was a treasured husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to many.

Born on the Fourth of July in 1933, Dad was one of eight children raised in a hardworking migrant family. His childhood was spent moving from place to place for agricultural work, which frequently interrupted his formal schooling. Finding himself in the third grade at the age of 15, Dad decided this was unacceptable and attempted to join the military. Though told to return when he was older, his determination never wavered. At 17, he successfully enlisted in the U.S. Army. A veteran of the Korean War, he proudly served as a paratrooper with the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, Rakkasans. The discipline, courage, and resilience he forged in the military became the bedrock of his life.

Following his service, Dad became a highly respected El Paso businessman, known for his strong work ethic, sharp mind, and integrity. A self-taught entrepreneur, he built numerous successful businesses over the decades, ranging from a dry cleaners to a banner and pennant business to a tamal restaurant. You name it, he did it! His mind was constantly buzzing with new ventures. Blessed with financial success, Dad took joy in sharing his blessings with the community, state organizations, and those in need. The St. Jude Organization was especially close to his heart.

Because of his early life, Dad deeply valued education. He continually inspired his children, grandchildren, and countless others to pursue college degrees and strive for a better future, often acting as a silent benefactor to fund those dreams.

Above all else, Dad was dedicated to his family. Alongside his wife of 68 years, Edna, he taught his children through strong discipline, led by example, and exposed us to rich life experiences. Together, we traveled across the United States and Mexico by car, airplane, train, and motor home, creating unforgettable memories on camping and fishing trips, and visits to cultural sites and amusement parks. He and Mom enjoyed their own travels across the States and abroad, enjoying and preserving lifetime memories. His generosity included treating extended family and friends to vacations and special outings.

Dad was also a passionate animal lover. Over the years, the family home housed many dogs, a monkey, and even a goat. In his later years, he fell in love with Pomeranians. His first beloved pair, Pepe and Pepa, brought several litters into the world, and Dad took great joy in gifting these puppies to his children, grandchildren, and friends.

Our father taught us the importance of hard work, loyalty, and staying united through life’s challenges. His wisdom, strength, humor, and love will always be remembered. His legacy lives on through the family he loved and the countless lives he touched.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Edna C. Partida; his children, Gloria Sullivan (Michael), Rita Linda Piotrowski (Michael♰), Sandra Uribe (Tony♰), David Partida (Diana), JD Partida (Priscilla), and Danny Partida (Terri); 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Socorro Fay. He also leaves behind a large, loving community of extended family, friends, and former employees.

He is reunited in spirit with his parents, Demetrio and Marciana Partida; his sisters, Emma Armenta and Esther Lechuga; and his brothers, Joel, Juan, Trinidad, and Luis Partida.

Our family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dad’s devoted caregivers, Leonor, Ana, Mirna, Yuri, Josefina, and Rosie, for their compassionate care, as well as the staff at Enhabit Home Health and Hospice Care for their guidance and exceptional medical support.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 26th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave. El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3729 Hueco Ave. El Paso, Texas 79903. Burial will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 401 S. Zaragoza Rd. El Paso, Texas 79907.