John Enriquez

After fighting a powerful battle, John Enriquez surrendered to liver and kidney failure and was called Home by our Heavenly Father on March 30, 2021. He is survived by his loving parents Mike and Nellie Enriquez. He is preceded in death by his brother Mike Enriquez Jr.

On March 30th, the world lost an amazing man. John Enriquez was jovial, genuine and a compassionate man. Those who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives know just how much joy the world lost. As they mourn his untimely death, thoughts of how to honor his legacy and help those left behind are part of their grieving.

John Enriquez served numerous roles in his lifetime. Among them he was a son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, colleague, confidant, and a professor of Chemistry at El Paso Community College. In every one of these roles, he was a kind, gregarious and supportive man. As a son, brother, and uncle he would consistently make time to visit with his parents, enjoying meals and conversation while doing all he could to help them enjoy their golden years. John loved his family, they served as a strong foundation for him, and he would not hesitate to be there for them, even at a moment’s notice.

His longtime girlfriend, Lily, would refer to him as her rock, her source of support and comfort when times were their toughest. As a friend and colleague, he was admired for both his accomplishments and his demeanor. Throughout his career with EPCC he held positions for tutor to professor and in each one, he would strive to be the best version of that role he could be. As the first chemistry professor at EPCC’s Northwest campus, he was vital in establishing a successful and still growing chemistry department. During his time there, he would be known as one of the kindest people one could ever hope to meet. Everywhere he went on campus, he would greet people with a smile, a hearty handshake, or a compliment. Mostly though, he would give you all three. He was quick to help those in need and did so without asking for anything in return. He was happy to support others and celebrate their success.

As a professor of chemistry, John Enriquez was in a league of his own. He would inspire his students to keep working towards their goals. John provided his students with much more than encouragement. He would spend hours outside the class tutoring students, ensuring that everyone in his classes had the opportunity to learn. He would often be one of the last to leave the building, being able to complete his work or the day only after he ensured his students were taken care of. He was beloved by so many of his students, eventually developing a dedicated following of students who would insist on enrolling in only his courses, as they knew he was genuinely committed to helping them succeed. This was apparent not just by word of mouth or reviews, but by his actions. It is impossible to quantify the love and respect so many people had for John. No amount of words can convey the sense of loss felt by his friends and family. He was a humble yet generous man in life, quick to give those in need. We will miss you John. Those you left behind will never let you or what you brought into our lives be forgotten.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 16th, 2021 from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm with prayer Vigil at 7:00 pm at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave. A funeral mass will be held at Santo Nino De Atocha Catholic Church, 210 S. Clark, Saturday April 17, 2021 at 9:00 am, followed by a burial at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 401 S. Zaragosa Rd. The Vigil will be livestreamed via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/fdacentral/