Refugio graduated from Jefferson Davis High School and went on to marry Gloria Sorola on April 16, 1966, with whom he spent 53 loving years. In October of 1966, he was drafted in the Army and proudly served his country for 2 years. He had a career as a Fire Fighter/Paramedic with the Houston Fire Department.
Refugio had many passions in life – including dominoes, golf, Texas hold ‘em, fishing, and bowling - though few came close to his love of riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. As a loyal Houstonian, he also enjoyed watching the Astros, Rockets, and Texans play. When asked about his greatest achievements in life, he was quick to answer. Firstly, that he was the very first paramedic in the City of Houston to deliver a baby. Even more impressive was a feat of heroism which landed him on the first page of the Houston Chronicle. With little regard for himself and only their safety in mind, he saved a bus full of handicapped children that had been trapped in White Oak Bayou during a storm. In all aspects of his life, he strove to be an example for those who met him. And through all these lives he touched, his spirit will always live on.
He is survived by his wife Gloria; children Caroline Puente and husband Arthur, Jaime Sorola and wife Annie, Brea Sorola and husband Samuel Sanchez, Rufus Sorola and fiancée Veronica, Gina Garcia and husband Esteban; 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; siblings Joe Sorola, Martin Sorola, Gloria Renteria, Lupe Sorola, Mable Jones, Ruben Sorola, Maria Cruz Libbin, Alice Perez, Victor Perez, Israel Perez, Rosa Perez, Grace Perez, and Rachel Perez.
A visitation will be held in Refugio’s honor on Thursday, May 16, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. inside the Chapel of American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038. The Celebration of Life service will commence at 12:00 p.m., after which he will be escorted to the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038, where he will be laid to rest with honors.
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