Mauricio Urquizu

Mauricio “Sparky” Urquizu, 42 of Tucumcari, NM passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, October 6, 2023.

Mauricio was born on January 31, 1981 in Torrance, California.  Mauricio attended El Segundo High School, where he was a member of the JROTC, and graduated in 1996.  Mauricio was a member of the Jobs Corps in Clearfield, Utah, then joined the US Army, where he completed his basic training in Ft. Knox, Kentucky.  Following his discharge, Mauricio attended Mesalands Community College in 2004.

A resident of Tucumcari, Mauricio married Darlene on March 4, 2008.  Mauricio worked for the Tucumcari Public Schools in the cafeteria for 8 years.  Always a hard worker, Mauricio loved his job.  It always brightened his day when the children would come up to him at school, the store or sports games, just to say “hi!”

Mauricio is preceded in death by his mother: Monica Rocco, his step-father: Frank Rocco, his grandmother: Lily Ramirez and his uncle: Jose Paredes.

Mauricio is survived by his wife: Darlene Urquizu, his children: Paul, Elizabeth, Savannah and Cierra Urquizu, his father: Paulino Ramirez, sister: Michele (Alex) Alarid and their children: Isabella and Ava,  aunts: Patricia Urquizu and Gloria Paredes, two nieces and his father and mother-in-law: Ronnie and Helen Garcia.  Mauricio is also survived by his brother-in-law: Kevin (Abrina Trujillo) Garcia, sister-in-law: Maylene (Marc) Hazleton and grandparents-in-law: Ted and Carmen Garcia, cousins: Benjamin and Karla Valdez, nephews: Julian Garcia, Miguel Castro, Sebastian Hazelton and Enrique Hazelton, as well as numerous family and friends.

Everyone knows Mauricio for his big heart, loud laugh and his love of Disneyland, the Raiders, the LA Dodgers and Fantasy Football.  He loved to attend and support his children at all their sporting activities.  He loved his wife and children with all his heart.  Mauricio will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 21, 2023, beginning at 9:30 AM, at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Tucumcari, with Father John Paul Afuecheta officiating the service.

Interment will follow at Tucumcari Memorial Park with Ronnie Garcia, Kevin Garcia, David Garcia, Joseph Perea, Arthur Tixier and Joe Vargas serving as Pallbearers.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.  575-472-3369.  To place an online condolence or tribute, kindly visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.