Obituary of Margarito Oropeza

Margarito Oropeza, age 98, of Hollister, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020, surrounded by his beloved family. Margarito is survived by his wife of 78 years, Agripina Oropeza, two sons, Jose Luis Oropeza and Jesus Oropeza, and seven daughters Guadalupe Padilla, Carmen Ceja, Berta Robles, Silvia Castelo, Margarita Gallegos, Teresa Villalobos and Lilia Lara. He is preceded in death by his eldest daughter Celia Cabrera; three brothers (Rafael, Manuel and David); and, sister Elvira Oropeza. Margarito was born on October 19, 1921, in El Rancho de Canindo, Michoacán Mexico to Rafael Oropeza and Maria Guadalupe Aceves. As a boy, Margarito honored his parents in all things. In 1965, Margarito and Agripina immigrated to the United States in search of economic opportunities and a better life for their children. Margarito worked hard and took on whatever job was available to support his family. For many productive years, Margarito worked as a contract laborer on the various farms and ranches in and around Hollister, eventually retiring from San Benito Foods tomato cannery in 1992. Margarito was a devout Catholic and an active member of Sacred Heart & St. Benedict catholic churches of Hollister. Margarito loved to grow his favorite vegetables. Every year he planted and harvested tomatoes and chiles, if possible. While wearing his signature (tejana) hat, Margarito presided over a countless number of family birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. He loved Mariachi music, tequila and charreadas (Mexican rodeos). Above all else, Margarito loved every one of his 36 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Margarito will always be remembered for his beautiful smile and gentle soul, and for being the trunk of the family tree. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life, be thankful for his determination and efforts to improve our lives and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over us. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 17th from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home in Hollister, with the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday, March 18th, family and friends will meet at St. Benedict Church at 11:00 a.m. for a Mass of the Resurrection. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.