Sergio Duarte Oropesa

Sergio Duarte Oropesa, 89, of Tucson, Arizona passed away peacefully on April 6, 2024, in his home, surrounded by his family. Sergio was born January 29, 1935 in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Sergio was married to Francisca “Panchita” Orozco Oropesa on July 1, 1956, and celebrated 67 years of marriage. They were married at the Church of God (Iglesia de Dios) in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. Sergio is survived by their four children, Luz-Elena Oropesa Shearer (66), Sergio Agustine Oropesa (65), Moses Oropesa (61), and Cynthia Oropesa Anhalt (59), nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

In all things, God works for the good of those who love him. Romans 8:28 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1 Dios dispone todas las cosas para el bien de quienes lo aman. Romanos 8:28 Jehová es mi luz y mi salvación; ¿de quién temeré? Salmo 27:1

Bible verses from letters written from Sergio to Panchita in 1955.

Sergio was the second oldest of seven children, five of which were born to María Jesús “Jessie” Duarte Ruiz and Sergio Oropesa Jara from Veracruz, MX, and two half-siblings, Oscar and Dora Robles Duarte. The oldest and youngest siblings, Luz Elena Oropesa Duarte and Oscar Robles Duarte, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sisters, Alma Guadalupe Oropesa Padilla, Lillian Oropesa, Armida Oropesa Hernandez, and Dora Robles.

Sergio was a loving and diligent husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a caring uncle to 14 nieces and nephews. Having been trained as a mechanic, a realtor, and a broker, he thrived on diagnosing, problem solving, meeting the needs of clients, and finding creative solutions. He enjoyed playing chess, competing in baseball and tennis leagues, and sharing his enthusiasm for games and sports with the family. As a father, he was a strength and foundation for the family through his intentional goals and achievements. His generosity was bountiful. He gave his children wings to fly, knowledge to navigate the world, and memories to keep in their hearts. May he rest in heaven with Panchita and know that his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beyond, will carry on his legacy.

Sergio’s Celebration of Life occurred on May 4, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at Grace to the Nations Church, 6180 E. Pima Street, Tucson, AZ 85712 with Reverend Obed Orozco. The service consisted of prayers, music led by Ogla Orozco González, La mañana gloriosa, Allí quiero ir y tu, Cuan grande es Dios, and Más allá del sol, and eulogies from Luz Elena Oropesa Shearer (daughter), Armida Oropesa Hernández (sister), Lillian Oropesa (sister), Eleazar Romero Oropesa (nephew), Alma Guadalupe Oropesa Padilla (sister), Kevin and John Shearer (twin grandsons), Charlie Chiquete Bolaina (grandnephew), Evadina and Mike Lomerson (niece and her husband), and Cynthia Oropesa Anhalt (daughter).

A special slide presentation of Sergio’s life in pictures was created by Sergio Esteban Oropesa (grandson) and can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DREHt0CExDY

A soul full of light and ambition leaves this world. His vitality and sense of adventure brought the family new experiences. His ways of thinking about education and his spirit guided the family. His support embraced us with courage to aim for the stars, accomplish goals, and live our dreams. May the winds of love blow softly to remind us that he is in our hearts forever. Un alma llena de luz y ambición deja este mundo. Su vitalidad y sentido de la aventura trajeron a la familia nuevas experiencias. Su forma de pensar sobre la educación y su espíritu siempre nos guió. Su apoyo nos abrazó para apuntar a las estrellas, lograr metas, y vivir nuestros sueños. Que los vientos del amor soplen suavemente para recordarnos que él está en nuestro corazón para siempre.