Enrique "Henry" Arriaga

Henry graduated from Harlingen High School in Harlingen, TX and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Texas Southmost College in Brownsville, TX. He grew up with his siblings Joe, Mary, José Jr and Gloria. Never wanting to be bored, Henry began working as a young teen delivering newspapers on his bike. That was the beginning of many jobs that created his strong work ethic. He was very industrious, doing his own vehicle and home repairs for decades.

Henry retired from the US Air Force as a Master Sergeant. He proudly served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a member of the 610th Military Airlift Support Squadron. He also helped lead the 5th Air Force Honor Guard. After retirement, he went to work as a US Customs Inspector in Brownsville, TX and finished his career as a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Inspector at Midland International Airport. Due to his career, Henry lived and visited many different places throughout the world, but he was proud of his Texas heritage. Upon arriving at any airport within the US, he would often comment, “I’ve never seen this part of Texas!”

In high school, Henry met the lovely Cecilia Zamarron and they became high school sweethearts. After high school, they married on August 5, 1955. They were married for 60 years until Cecilia’s passing in 2015.

Henry enjoyed nature and visited many national parks. He also enjoyed gardening and serving at church. He was a faithful member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. He could seem unapproachable when it came to requests for his time or resources, but he generously gave to areas where he saw a need, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Ann’s Catholic Church or local community agencies like “Helping Hands”.

He was known for his sense of humor and fun, playful banter. Upon meeting him, he might’ve seemed stoic and business-like, but he could find common ground with almost anyone. With his own deprecating humor, he often put others at ease. Henry appreciated a good story. Whether listening to or telling one, he held a strong conviction of justice and a desire to see good triumph over evil. This was especially evident in his love of war movies, old westerns and classics like “Dr. Zhivago” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” He also loved watching “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Henry is survived by his sons, Tony Arriaga and wife Tina of Albuquerque, NM and James Arriaga of Roseville, CA; daughters, Patricia Arriaga of Fair Oaks, CA and Christina Marshall of Elk Grove, CA; sister, Gloria Camargo and husband Emilio of Katy, TX; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild. Henry also had his two beloved turtles, Becca and Lucy. He loved turtles for their instinct of withdrawing into their shell - symbolising man’s need to turn inward, at times, to connect with our Creator.

Henry’s faith and desire to connect with His Creator was evident by his devotion to reading the Bible and praying regularly. One verse that reflects his heart for God is from Psalm 27, verse 4: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”

He was loved by many and will surely be missed. His “Henry-isms” will be remembered fondly, such as “If it’s not one thing, it’s another.” or “Aren’t you the clever one?” and especially: “Thirty years at sea and you don’t know what a ship looks like?”

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church. If unable to attend the Mass, a Celebration of Life Reception will be held at Ellis Funeral Home from 11:30 AM-2:00 PM. Anything you are able to attend is appreciated by the family. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donatetoday.