Octavio Rojas

He was a man of integrity and humility at all times. He devoted his time and energy first and foremost to the love of his life of 70 years, Graciela, as well as to his five children and nine grandchildren. He worked diligently throughout his life, all while attending the University of Arizona, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

In his early years, he was an active Apache at Nogales High School. He graduated in 1956 with honors and was a member of the National Honor Society. One of his most memorable moments came during his senior year when he served as Student Body President. During high school, he also joined the National Guard, where he valiantly served for nine years.

He married Graciela in 1960. His career began in Mesa, working for Rocket Power. Afterward, he moved to California to work for Space Ordnance, where one of his most significant projects involved building an integral launching component for the Apollo spacecraft. He later continued his career at Hughes Missile Systems, known today as Raytheon.

He was an active member of the Nogales Unified School District School Board for many years and was proud to see the opening of the current Nogales High School campus. A true sports enthusiast, he never missed a chance to attend a game—rain or shine.

After retiring from Raytheon, he dedicated his time to his grandchildren and to supporting various philanthropic efforts aimed at making the community a better place gaining him the honor of being inducted into the Nogales High School Hall of Fame 

He will be forever missed by family and friends, but most importantly by his beloved wife, who was his rock and the other half that made him whole for so many years.

Octavio was predeceased by his mother, Angela Rojas; father, Jose Rojas; brother, Oscar Rojas, M.D.; and sister, Maria Teresa Rojas.

He is survived by his wife, Graciela; his children, Jaime Rojas (Claire), Carlos Rojas (Shannon), Lisa Bacus (Brian), Dina Sanchez (Enrique), and Alba Rojas-Sukkar (Nizar); and his grandchildren, JJ Rojas, Elsa Rojas Linnethal, Derek Rojas, Brent Bacus, Shelby Bacus, Sabrina Sanchez, Nicolette Sanchez, Czarina Sukkar, and Zakri Sukkar. He also leaves behind his sister, Maria Antonieta Parra (Arturo), and brother, Jose Rojas (Tina†).