Sergio Blanco Pacheco, M.D.

Sergio was the fourth of six siblings and came from a family of modest means.

From an early age, Sergio worked hard to better himself and his family, eventually finding his calling as a medical doctor. In 1964, he received his medical degree from La Universidad de Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico and subsequently attended the General Hospital in Mexico City, Mexico for his neurosurgical residency. During this time, Sergio became a local leader for a national Mexican medical movement that fought to improve student doctor salaries, working conditions, and educational opportunities. Additionally, he advocated for significant Mexican government reforms to include social justice issues, universal healthcare, and rights for the poor.

In 1967, he was presented with an opportunity to continue his medical training in the United States. The first in his family, he moved to Barberton, Ohio where he completed an internship at Barberton Citizens Hospital. Upon completing his internship, Sergio moved to Dallas, Texas in 1968 to complete his residency in general surgery at Baylor University Medical Center. In 1969, Sergio was called to active duty and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict. He served an as army surgeon until 1971 when he received an honorable discharge with the rank of major. Sergio went on to work in various hospitals throughout the United States, including Denver, Boston, and New York City, before finally settling down in El Paso, Texas to establish his private neurosurgery practice in 1977. He became a leading and well-known neurosurgeon throughout El Paso, New Mexico and Mexico having treated thousands of patients for over 40 years. Among his colleagues, he was a founding member of an organization known as the Southwest Association of Hispanic American Physicians (SWAHAP) that served to educate the local community and direct the delivery of healthcare along the El Paso border region. Additionally, he advocated for better quality healthcare in the United States and penned many letters to local and state leaders throughout the years.

Sergio was a wonderful father, mentor, and leader. He was the rock of his family and went above and beyond to always support his family and grandchildren. Sergio had a deep love of learning, and often talked about history, philosophy, and world events. He valued speaking frankly and never was one to shy away from letting you know his opinion. Sergio loved to joke and laugh among his family and friends, and had a unique talent for being comically forthright. To his children and grandchildren, he passed on numerous values and advise and epitomized love of family, strength of character, integrity, and service to community and country. Sergio loved to watch soccer and was an avid fan of the Mexican professional futbol club Tigres de Mexico from Monterrey, Mexico. He also enjoyed the outdoors and was an accomplished hunter and fisherman.

Sergio led a remarkable life and will forever remain an icon to his family, friends and community. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Bertha Amparo Flores Pacheco; five children, Sergio (Jr.), Ivan [Christy], Bettina [Michael], Igor [Rymma], and Alexander; six grandchildren, Cameron, Marcus, Brooke, Lauren, Nikolai, and Taras; and his brother Carlos Pacheco and sister Alicia Pacheco.

The Pacheco family extends their heartfelt gratitude to family and friends for their support and prayers. Funeral services will be held at MARTIN FUNERAL HOME, (128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX) on June 11, 2024 from 5 - 9 PM. Church services will be held the following day, June 12, 2024 from 12:30-1:30 PM at Queen of Peace Church (1551 Belvidere, El Paso, TX). Following the church service, Sergio will be interred at Fort Bliss National Cemetery (5200 Fred Wilson Ave., Ft.Bliss Texas) at 2 PM. Family, friends, and acquaintances are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please donate to El Paso Children's Hospital at elpasochildrens.org.