Felix Ernie Arvizo

In Memory of Felix "Ernie" Arvizo

Born May 1953 - passed away peacefully at home April 2026

Some people you know you can count on. Felix "Ernie" Arvizo was one of them.

He started early. Born the youngest of five, he sold newspapers in Downtown Tucson as a young boy in the early 1960s and brought the majority of the money home to his mother, who was raising the family on her own. That work ethic stayed for life.

As a young man, he played drums in Tucson's Tejano and Conjunto scene with his brothers Jose, Jacob, and friends, then with Orquesta Vida, Polo Romero, and other local groups. In 1974, he had to choose between paying to record an album with Orquesta Vida or completing his degree at the University of Arizona. He chose to complete his education.

What followed: a master's degree, fifty years of marriage to Bettina, three sons, and thirty years of teaching, mostly computers, to middle schoolers at Tucson Unified School District. Thirty years, rarely taking days off. He was also Tucson's original IT guy long before that was a job. If you needed help, Ernie was on his way. He introduced many family and friends to the computer era.

He had a joke for every occasion and a saying for every Saturday. "C'mon guys, let's build some character" meant manual work outside. "You better get good grades so you can get a good job to pay for it" meant the toy was not happening. Those lines come back to us now, in his voice.

He bled red and blue for the Arizona Wildcats. He and Bettina celebrated their 50th anniversary on March 13th, just five weeks before he left us. He loved her deeply, and we got to witness it every day of our lives.

If Ernie ever helped you, taught you, fixed something for you, or made you laugh, please leave a memory here.

Preceded in Death By

His father, Jose Arvizo; mother, Maria Leal Arvizo; brothers, Jose “Shorty” Arvizo (Josie M. Arvizo) and Jacob Arvizo; in-laws, Jesus G. and Mercedes T. Burruel.

Survived By

His wife of fifty years, Bettina; sons, Adrian, Augustin, and Adam; sisters, Rosa (Art) DeMarzo and Fina (Lencho) Gallego; and many other loving family and friends

Services at Santa Cruz Catholic Church, 1220 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713

Friday, May 8, 2026

Rosary — 9:30 AM

Mass — 10:00 AM