Carlos J. Burruel

Carlos Burruel, or as he was affectionately called, "Coach Burruel," or "Mr. Burruel," by so many in the Tucson community, sadly passed away on March 22, 2022. 

Carlos was a proud graduate of Pueblo High School where his name still hangs proudly as the State Wrestling Champion in 1965.  Carlos was also a member of the high school's spanish folk singing group, known as Los Palladores, for whom he played guitar. Carlos also ran track and played football.  After high school Carlos attended Arizona Western College on a wrestling scholarship,  where he earned his Associate degree.  Following college, Carlos enlisted in the United States Army and was ultimately sent to the war in Vietnam where he served as an Air Traffic Controller. While there, he survived a close encounter with a mortar which he brought home and showed off every chance he could. Carlos received five medals during his service.  

Later in the years Carlos married his high school sweetheart, Lupe, and together raised 4 loving daughters. Their marriage endured 50 beautiful years.

After the service Carlos worked for 16 years for Duval Mine where he received a letter of recognition for saving a co-workers life by performing the Heimlich maneuver. Following Duval he worked as a Corrections officer for 13 years, where he was respected by co-workers and inmates.  He was often referred to as “ATM (A Toda Madre),” by coworkers.  Everywhere he worked he would receive recognition and awards for his outstanding work.

Carlos was a manager/coach for 27 years for the local Sunnyside Little league where he coached his daughters in softball. He affectionately named his team "Las Munecas." Carlos was selected as manager for the All star team where they won the state championship and made their way to regionals in Denver, Colorado. 

Carlos' sense of humor was second to none. His laughter and crazy antics lit up any room he entered. He made you laugh so hard it hurt.  He had jokes for days, yes sometimes repeats, but always as funny as the first time you'd heard them.  

Carlos was a true hero in every sense of the word to not only his nation but family as well. Carlos was a man among men. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who showed unconditional love to all. In return, he was loved instantly by everyone he met. Carlos was cherished by all and will be truly missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Lupe; daughters, Lupita Burruel McKenna (Steve), Priscilla Burruel Wilkins (Pete), Griselda Burruel (Albert), and Carla Burruel Egurrola (Eddie); ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, sister, Jenny; and brothers, Joseph and Ben.

He was preceded in death by parents, Hilaria (Benjamin) Vidal; sister, Lupe; and brothers, Manny and James.