Diego Burgueno

Our beloved Diego D. Burgueno Sr., 64, went to be with his Lord on May 13, 2018 in Torrance, California surrounded by his loving family after complications due to a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born in Delta, Mexicali, Mexico on November 13, 1953 to Rafaela Duarte Burgueno (nee Tapia) and Trinidad Burgueno on the day of Saint Diego – a date he insisted to be more accurate than the November 14th date recorded on his birth certificate after the birth of his first and only son, Diego Burgueno Jr. on November 13, 1989. He would often recount stories of growing up in Mexicali as a younger sibling of seven sisters and one older brother, selling bread with his family and working odd jobs from a young age, building a work ethic and sense of responsibility, as well as a deep sense of morals and values, that he would maintain for the rest of his life. You could always count on him to know the right thing to do. He came to Sunnyside, Washington in 1975 and soon met his wife Raquel and her daughter Alma. He planned to return to southern California after seasonal work, but would later tease that he changed his mind after Raquel told him, “If you go--don’t come back.” So he chose to stay and he became a husband and instant father in 1976. He had two more daughters born in 1979 and 1980, Lisa and Tammy (aka “Marsha” and “Jan”) and his babies ten years later in 1989 and 1991, Diego Jr and Cassandra (aka “My Buddy” and “Chaparra”). Having Diego as a dad was fun and special. He always made the time he had with his children meaningful and he did whatever he could to create joyful, warm, loving, happy memories. He was driven, and his every goal was to build a great life for himself and his family. He graduated high school in Mexico, worked hard to learn English, became an American Citizen, got his GED in the U.S. and eagerly took work training classes in order to have the best opportunities. Diego dedicated his life to supporting his family and friends, and anyone who asked for his help. He gave unconditionally, never expecting anything in return, and showed an unwavering kindness to every person he met. You could feel like the center of the world, talking to him. Diego is survived by his wife Raquel Burgueno (nee Rodriguez); his five children Alma (Benny) Villarreal, Lisa Burgueno, Tammy (Robert) Simmons, Diego Burgueno Jr. and Cassandra Burgueno; his grandchildren Anthony Gonzalez, Christian Gonzales, Madisyn Simmons, Halle Simmons, Luca Mancuso, Noah Burgueno, Dominic Gonzalez; his great-grandchildren Mykell Gonzalez and Valentino Gonzalez; seven sisters, one brother, brothers and sisters in-law, numerous nieces and nephews and countless compadres. Viewing and Rosary will be on Monday, May 21st 2018 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Valley Hills Funeral Home - 531 S. 16th St. Sunnyside, WA. Mass of Christian burial will be held May 22nd, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church-920 South Sixth Street Sunnyside, WA. Until his last day, he was Burgueno-Strong and had not lost hope in winning his five-year battle with cancer. In those last days he was able to return to his roots and spend a day at the beach in Mexico, one last time. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Diego Burgueno, please visit our flower store.