Jesus (Chuy) G. Burruel

December 1, 1935 — October 2, 2025

Jesus "Chuy" G. Burruel passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025. He was born on December 1, 1935, in South Tucson. He is survived by his children: Jesus "Shorty" (Carol) Burruel, Bettina Arvizo (Felix), Mary Anne Armijo (Carlos), and Guadalupe Gastelum (Andres). His grandchildren include Coy Burruel, Adrian, Augustin, and Adam Arvizo, AnaMarie and Carlos "Buddy" Armijo, and Bernardo (BJ), Toni, Araceli, Andrea, and Angelique Gastelum. He also leaves great-grandchildren Sophia, Joplin, Indie, Penelope, Axel, Gianna, and Hunter. He is also survived by his sister, Rosario Bernal-Mendibles.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mercedes (Mercy) Tellez Burruel, by his parents, Antonia Gallego and Manuel Burruel, by his brothers Alcario and Francisco Gastelo, Trinidad and Fernando Burruel, Jose Bernal, Pedro, Vicente, Manuel, Augustin, and Atanacio Burruel, and sisters Virginia Tellez, Carmela Valdez, Refugia (Cuca) Valles, and Amalia Valles.

A Life Built with His Hands and His Heart

Part of a proud pioneer family whose roots in the Tucson and Sahuarita area stretch back to the days before the founding of the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson, long before Arizona became a U.S. territory, Chuy grew up surrounded by many brothers, sisters, and extended family in homes on Meyer Street in Tucson, on the family ranch in Sahuarita, and later on 29th Street in South Tucson. He was known for his firm handshake, his strong work ethic, and his deep sense of family ties. These values guided him throughout his life.

His formal education was limited, but his learning continued in the trade that became his lifelong craft. He proudly joined the Bricklayers Union and worked as a skilled and accomplished mason who helped to build many of Tucson's most recognizable red-brick buildings, including schools, government offices, and parts of the University of Arizona campus. He often pointed out these projects to friends and family as he drove through town, proud to have helped shape the city's look and character.

In addition to his work for others, Chuy built the homes he and Mercedes lived in, including the house on their cherished ranch on Drexel Road where they raised their four children, as well as the two homes they lived in before that. He was a handyman in all areas of construction and never hesitated to take on hard work or learn new skills.

A Love Story and a Partnership

Chuy met Mercedes "Mercy" Tellez in 1950, and the two eloped on December 18, 1953. Their marriage lasted more than six decades and was built on love, respect, and shared effort. Together, they raised four children and created a life rooted in family and tradition.

Both were raised in large families, which taught them the importance of frugality, resourcefulness, and perseverance. They were known for recycling and repurposing almost anything that could have a second life. Family members fondly recall that you never knew if a tub labeled "Morrell Lard" might actually contain salsa. Their ability to reuse and repair proved invaluable as they managed their rental properties across the South and East sides of Tucson, where Chuy did nearly all of the maintenance himself.

Tata, as he was affectionately known, was careful with his spending but always made sure his family had everything they needed. He believed in working hard to support yourself and your loved ones and in knowing and preserving your family roots. These were lessons he passed down to every generation.

The Ranch on Drexel Road

The ranch was the heart of the family and a welcoming place for all. Anyone who drove up the hill to the house was greeted warmly, invited to stay for a visit and coffee, and often encouraged to help with whatever meal was being prepared. Chuy and Mercy raised milk cows whose cheese became a favorite ingredient in homemade quesadillas, and they kept chickens that provided fresh eggs. Even through 2024, Chuy continued to care for his chickens and share the eggs with his family.

Both he and Mercy loved the ranch life they had grown up with and took pride in passing that experience down to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Some of the younger ones might have become "city slickers," as Tata liked to joke, but they all shared in the ranch's spirit and traditions.

Working alongside Tata on rental repairs or side jobs was a learning experience and an adventure for many grandchildren. He showed them how to use tools, fix things, and always keep an open mind to learning new skills. Whether it was hooking up a trailer, laying brick, or repairing a fence, he taught that there was value in hard work. If you behaved well and worked hard, there was often a stop for McDonald's at the end of the day.

Traditions, Meals, and Family Values

Chuy loved a hot cup of coffee at any time of day, Mercy's home-cooked meals, and long conversations at the kitchen table. He was particular about how meals were served, insisting on real plates and utensils, often saying, "I'm not on a picnic" if handed a paper plate.

He was also quick to help in the kitchen. He could be found finely chopping ingredients with a paring knife, preparing his Chile Refregado salsa the way his mother had taught him, or helping make tamales during the holidays. Tamale season was a special time at the ranch when the entire family gathered to wash husks, grind corn, and assemble tamales under Nana and Tata's direction.

Sitting at the head of the kitchen table at "The Ranch," Chuy shared stories of family history, the growth of Tucson, and lessons about respect, friendship, hard work, and the importance of education. These lessons became part of the family's identity and will continue to shape future generations.

Legacy

Chuy lived his life according to the principles he believed in: integrity, family, and hard work. His legacy can be seen not only in the buildings he helped construct across Tucson but also in the character and closeness of his family.

The Burruel family's history in Tucson and Sahuarita spans nearly 250 years, beginning with the establishment of the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson in 1775. Chuy embodied that deep heritage and served as a bridge between old Tucson and the modern city it has become.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Crossroads Assisted Living for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pima Council on Aging or the Alzheimer's Association, 2990 N Swan Rd
Tucson, AZ 85712-6025.