Pablo Renteria

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, uncle, and Godfather, Pablo Renteria. He entered eternal life on April 22, 2023, after a difficult, but valiant 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Pablo had been preparing himself for his journey home. He requested a Christian burial according to his Catholic faith. On his last day, a chaplain and our family prayed over him. This was followed by a Catholic Priest administering the Last Rites. He passed away peacefully as his nurse softly sang Southern gospel songs to him.

Pablo was born on September 16, 1967, in California’s San Fernando Valley. He moved to Tucson in the early 1970s. The youngest of eight children, he was raised in the Menlo Park Historic District on West Congress Street and resided there until his death. Pablo was a descendant of Converso founding families of Monterrey, NL, Mexico and surrounding villas, and pre-statehood Texas.

He attended Pima Community College. He enjoyed learning about U.S. Southwest history, as well as the history of Mexico. Pablo also tirelessly advocated for the protection of the environment. He was a committed conservationist and an avid recycler. Moreover, Pablo was committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs and cats. He provided them with a forever home. He is survived by his dogs, Yucateco and Brownie. In addition, he learned auto-mechanics at an early age from his father. He enjoyed repairing vehicles and farm equipment for family and friends. He also had a keen interest in the culinary arts. He was knowledgeable about the history of regional cuisines of Mexico. He enjoyed preparing the traditional dishes and beverages of his ancestors. For many years, he hosted luncheons on the weekends for family and friends. He hosted the birthday parties of the younglings of the family, as well as those of his siblings. He would decorate the dining area with festive Mexican decorations and folk art. Pablo would play music from various Mexican regions. He also set up traditional Mexican games for the children, including Lotería and Piñatas. In addition, Pablo was a proprietor of several small businesses. He would turn a passion into a business.

Pablo’s priority was his family. When his mother was on life-support, he set up a hospital room at home and lovingly cared for her. He also helped care for his elderly aunt, Maria. He cared for both until their deaths. Our family is deeply grateful for his noble character.

He is predeceased by his parents, José Jesús María Rentería, I, and Guadalupe García Rentería; and grandparents, Gilberto Rentería and Josefa Espericueta Rentería, and Antonio García and Teodora Olivárez García; brother, Jesse Rentería (Norma); aunts, Dominga Rentería, María Cleofas Rentería, Berta Rentería González, Elisa Rentería, Enriqueta Rentería, Petra García Sáenz, Armandina García Córtez, Alicia García Casas; uncles, Raúl Rentería, Trinidad García, Antonio García, Bernardo García; first cousins, Jaime González and Hernán Córtez. His surviving family members include his sisters, Josefa Rentería, Carmen Rentería, Dolores Rentería, María E. Rentería-Villa (José), Gloria Rentería Griffith (Richard); and brother, Gilberto Antonio Rentería (Jenny). He is also survived by seven nieces and four nephews, and other extended family members and friends.

A rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. requiem mass at Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 507 W. 29th St., Tucson, AZ. A committal service will immediately follow at Holy Hope Catholic Cemetery, St. John section, Altar of St. Thomas, 3555 N. Oracle Rd. At the request of Pablo, he will be buried in the family section next to his mother and father.

Pallbearers are Gilberto Antonio Rentería (brother), José Jesús María Rentería, III (nephew), Jesús Antonio Rentería (nephew and godson), José Villa (brother-in-law), Daniel Holguín (childhood friend)

and Albert Trujillo (childhood friend); and honorary pallbearers are Dolores Rentería (sister), Cristina Esperanza Rentería (niece), Guadalupe García Rentería (niece), Jerry Larsen (family friend), and Héctor Zepeda (family friend). Honorary pallbearers by proxy are Lisa Doyle Wood (niece), Melanie Griffith (niece), Joseph Doyle (nephew) and Peter Doyle (nephew).

Rosary recitation will be led by Lupita Alday (family member).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangeltucson.com for the Renteria Family.