Rogelio Curiel Zepeda

Rogelio Curiel Zepeda, 75, of Watsonville, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 20, 1950, in Ameca, Jalisco, Mexico, to Maria Trinidad Zepeda Aviña and Justino Curiel Tapia.

Rogelio moved to Watsonville in the early 1970s and proudly made it his home for more than five decades. He worked as a supervisor for Richard A. Shaw and later Birds Eye Foods, dedicating over 30 years to the cannery industry and forming lifelong friendships with many of his colleagues.

After retiring, Rogelio became co-owner of El Herradero Mexican Restaurant, where he served the community with authentic Jalisciense cuisine alongside his beloved wife, Beatriz, and family. A friend to all, he enjoyed sitting amongst patrons, whether they were regulars or new customers, and sparking up a conversation.

Rogelio cherished time with his family. He especially loved capturing memories with his camera, always ready to record special moments that he hoped his loved ones would treasure for years to come. He enjoyed time outside, tending to his garden and fruit trees, and visiting family in Mexico.

He is survived by his wife, Beatriz Curiel Solano; his children, Justino, Rogelio Jr., Ivan, Erika, and Yesenia Curiel Solano; and his beloved grandchildren, Orlando Curiel Ruelas, Ivan Curiel Romero Jr., Justin Curiel Ambriz, Jaiden Curiel Romero, Cesar Curiel Ambriz, and Dalia Curiel Jayyousi. He is also survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Monica Ambriz, Martin Rangel, Serena Romero, and Mohammad Jayyousi; step-grandson, Christian Rangel; three brothers; one sister; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers.

A viewing and rosary will be held at St. Patrick's Church, Watsonville, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:00–8:30 p.m., with the rosary at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., also at St. Patrick's Church. Cremation will take place afterward, and Rogelio will be laid to rest in Ameca, Jalisco, Mexico at a later date.

Ave Maria Memorial Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements.

If you'd like to send flowers the family suggests using D'Lily's Flowers in Watsonville.

Published in The Pajaronian · February 18, 2026