Mario Edward Arevalo

Mario Edward Arevalo was a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on August 9, 2025. Born the eldest of four surviving children to Mario and Ruth Arevalo, Mario lived a life full of love, laughter, and devotion to the people he cared for most.

He spent his life in San Antonio, proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps before beginning a dedicated management career in furniture retail.

Mario’s greatest passion in life was his family — especially his children and grandchildren. He loved nothing more than being surrounded by them, celebrating milestones, sharing meals, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. His devotion to his wife, Diana, was unwavering, and his deep love for his family was the steady foundation of his life.

At home, Mario was king of the kitchen. He loved a good meal and never let a holiday pass without making sure everyone was well fed. He was also famously hard of hearing — oh my goodness, he just couldn’t hear you! And if you think hearing aids solved the problem, think again. Mario decided they just were not for him, which led to many lively conversations… some of which he may not have actually heard.

And then there was his signature line — “I’m the man.” If Diana told him to slow down at the dinner table or skip the fat, he’d flash a grin, flex his arms, and declare, “I’m the man!” Delivered with such charm, it never failed to make people laugh.

As a teenager, Mario could be found playing cards all night with his buddies, a tradition he later passed on to his grandchildren. He taught them how to play poker, and they will proudly continue the tradition he started.

He was also the reason a pet ever made it into the family home. Once, he surprised his sister Mary Helen with her very first pet - a black lab - melting even their mother’s strict “no pets in the house” rule. She got to keep him only because it came from Mario.

Mario’s love for family came with a healthy dose of sibling mischief. Once, after being smacked by his sister Dolores, he chased her down the sidewalk, caught her, twisted her arm behind her back, and made her say “Uncle!” — before later teaching her how to drive at age 15.

Mario also treasured the time he spent with his brother Bob. He especially enjoyed their outings together, with trips to the shooting range being a favorite. Those moments of laughter, conversation, and shared hobbies were some of the times he valued most.

In retirement, Mario fully enjoyed the good life that Diana “provided for him,” as he often joked. He played golf five days a week, fished, boated, took photos, read, and watched — and re-watched…and RE-watched…and RE-watched countless classic movies. He also loved fine dining and the joy of treating others, often picking up the tab just to see friends and family enjoy themselves over a great meal.

He also loved a good game of pool. In his younger days, he played for money and earned a reputation that kept people from betting against him, because he almost always won. Later, he enjoyed more friendly games at the neighborhood clubhouse, still showing that competitive edge but mostly just savoring the camaraderie.

Mario was preceded in death by his parents, Mario and Ruth Arevalo, sister-in-law Patricia Arevalo, and brother-in-law Bill Matheny. He is survived by his wife Diana; sisters Dolores and Mary Helen & brother-in-law Pat Hatchett; brother Bob; children Tina, Joe, Heather, Reina (his sweetie pie fur-baby), Ruth, and Liz; grandchildren Jeremy, Matthew, Emily, Elton, Neiko, Sophia, Hannah, and Luke; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family would like to thank the medical personnel for the care they provided to Mario, as well as Father Jeff Pehl, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, for administering the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, along with his prayers and blessings.

Good and gracious God, we commend to Your keeping the soul of Mario Edward Arevalo — an extraordinarily kind man, a Christian gentleman, and a loving patriarch whose family was his greatest joy.

From Your Beautiful, Loving Wife, Diana:

Mario, you are the love of my life. It was such a blessing to have shared this earthly life with you. I will love and miss you forever. May the angels watch over you until we are reunited in heaven.