Mario Arellano

Mario Arellano passed away in his home on May 1, 2026, at the age of 85. He was a loving husband and proud father of five children. His driving force through his life was providing and caring for his family.

He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School then went on to work at the Robert B. Green Pharmacy and also enrolled in the Army National Guard where he served for eight years.

In his early years, Mario enjoyed athletics and played on several youth baseball teams. His talents in baseball placed him on a Colt League team that ranked third place in the National Championships. Later in life, he coached his sons in CYO baseball. He also took the time to learn the game of soccer having many successful seasons with his sons. He is known as “Coach” to his former players.

His love of hunting and fishing took him several places across the state and in Mexico to pursue these pastimes. He loved fishing in Lake Guerrero, Don Martin, Falcon, Choke Canyon and Lake Amistad. One of his most fulfilling experiences was being a founding member of the Bexar Hunting and Fishing Club with his family and friends.

Mario proudly served with the San Antonio Fire Department for 35 years, retiring as a Captain. He helped found the San Antonio Fire Museum, preserving the history and traditions of the profession he loved.

He was selected to serve on a city committee charged with recruiting and hiring the first psychiatrist to support firefighters through the emotional demands of the job.

In recent years, Mario was an active member of the Walker Ranch Senior Center and the Granados Adult and Senior Center. He enjoyed many hours of socializing and activities and made many friends along the way.

During his lifetime, he was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4140. He especially enjoyed planning the annual children’s Christmas party.

Mario’s immeasurable work ethic was evident at a very young age, taking on various jobs that later included real estate investments.

He enjoyed traveling, cooking and baking, taking gambling trips with friends and family and forever learning new things.

Mario was preceded in death by his parents, Fernando Arellano Sr. and Teofila Arellano. He is survived by his wife, Palmira Arellano; children, Palmira (Salvador Garza) Arellano, Patricia (Michael) Hernandez, Mario Arellano Jr., James Arellano and David (Kimberly) Arellano; seven grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. And by his brothers Fernando Arellano Jr. (Dolores), Abelardo Arellano and Robert Arellano.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Avenue followed by a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 600 Oblate Drive on May 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Interment to follow at San Fernando Cemetery II, 746 Castroville Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to help support his passion of sustaining the ongoing operations and activities of the San Antonio Fire Museum at www.sanantoniofiremuseum.org or, checks can be made out to the San Antonio Fire Museum and mailed to 801 East Houston, SAT 78205.