Jacinto Arrizola

September 12, 1945 – August 12, 2026

Jacinto “Chinto” Arrizola, 80, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, surrounded by loved ones who cherished him, just one month shy of his 81st birthday. His gentle spirit and warm smile will be missed by all who knew him.

Jacinto was born on September 12, 1945, in Beeville, Texas, to Espiridion Garza Arrizola and Dorotea Esparza Herrera, one of eleven children. Thanks to an error on his birth certificate that listed his birthday as December 12, 1945, Jacinto became the rare man who got to celebrate two birthdays a year—a family tradition and running joke that gave everyone one more reason to celebrate him.

Jacinto eventually made Fort Worth his home, where he spent his adult life and shared nearly 60 years of marriage with his wife, Francisca, raising their family in the home they built together.

Jacinto worked as a welder throughout his life, and even after retirement, he rarely sat still. There was always something to build, something to fix, or something around the house that needed his attention. When he wasn’t working on a project, he enjoyed gardening, barbecuing, and smoking brisket for family and friends—and, true to form, he even welded his own smoker. He loved to fish, and when his children were young, fishing trips became a chance to slip away together—sometimes to talk and sometimes simply to enjoy the quiet. Throughout much of his life, Jacinto could also be found sitting on his front or back porch with a drink in hand and music playing. It was simply where he liked to be.

Jacinto loved to joke around and was always up for a good prank. He got a kick out of catching people off guard, something he had been doing since he was a kid with his siblings and later with his children and grandchildren. From dancing with friends in his younger days to sitting on his porch playing records and enjoying time with his grandchildren, music was a constant throughout Jacinto's life. Country, Tejano, and Rock & Roll were more than just music he enjoyed—they became a language he shared with friends and family across generations. As life slowed down, he enjoyed his favorite cowboy shows and sports, especially football and softball. Many of his grandchildren still remember evenings spent watching WWE wrestling with Tata—a simple memory that became part of growing up with him.

Jacinto’s Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life, offering him strength and hope. His active participation in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church inspired others to find comfort and purpose through faith.

He became a devoted member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir, faithfully prayed his Rosary, and remained connected to his church community for many years. Even when he could no longer attend Mass as he once had, his church family came to him—praying with him and bringing him attendees.

Jacinto was preceded in death by his parents, Espiridion Garza Arrizola and Dorotea Esparza Herrera; his daughter, Lillie Ester Arrizola; his grandson, Robert Lee “Baby Robert” Ramirez; and his siblings Espiridion “Speedy” Arrizola, Dora Williams, and Maria Puga.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Francisca Benavidez Arrizola; his daughter, Elsa Arrizola Ramirez; seven grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren, with two more expected this year; and his siblings, Rosita Kelley, Rosaria Gates, Terry Suhan, Anna Marks, Alex Arrizola, and David Arrizola. He also leaves behind a large extended family and many others whose lives he touched. Together, they will carry forward his stories, laughter, traditions, and memories.

Jacinto spent a lifetime using his hands to work, build, grow, cook, fish, and provide for the people he loved. In his final days, those same hands were held by the family he spent a lifetime caring for.

Rest peacefully, Jacinto—husband, Dad, Tata. Your hands may finally be still, but what you built with them will live on for generations.

Service Information

Viewing

Monday, August 24, 2026 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth

Funeral Mass Tuesday, August 25, 2026 10:30 a.m

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

Burial

Immediately following the Funeral Mass

Burleson Memorial Cemetery

Reception

A reception will follow the burial.

9717 Santa Monica Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76116

We invite all who knew Jacinto or wish to pay respects to join us in celebrating his life and supporting his family during this time.