Celso "Pepe" Aguirre

Celso “Pepe” Aguirre, 80, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026 with his family at his side. Celso was born in Robstown, Tx on April 6, 1945. He was one of seven children born to Severa and Moises Aguirre, Sr. Celso spent his early years in Robstown, Texas, moved to Greeley, Colorado as a young adult then settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the late 60s.

Celso was always a hard-working man, working two jobs most of his young life. He was a no-nonsense, tough security guard at the A Mi Gusto Lounge for many years while working first at a gravel company, then at various manufacturing jobs.

Once he retired, Celso loved riding his bike from his home in the south valley to Tingley Beach, where he enjoyed fishing. When his grandchildren were old enough, he took every opportunity to take them with him. They all have fond memories of going fishing with their grandpa, even if they just sat on the edge of the water and never caught a single fish. He also enjoyed going to the South Valley Senior Center where he worked out every day and visited with friends. Celso was also an avid reader of books; especially mystery/thriller books. Probably the most interesting and unexpected thing about him is that several years ago he took up quilting! It was not anything you would expect from someone like him, but he loved it and he became very good at it. He made many beautiful blankets for friends and family. All have the tag “Made with Tender Loving Care by Celso Pepe Aguirre.”

Celso had a particularly good sense of humor; always telling silly jokes and making us roll our eyes and laugh with (not at) him. For example, when someone would leave and say, “see you later,” he would say “thanks for the warning.”

He was tough and strict and loving and gentle all at the same time and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Celso was preceded in death by his parents, sister Maria Belia Suarez, and brothers Benito, Gilberto, and Antonio Aguirre.

He survived by his brother Moises Aguirre, Jr. and sister Santos Garcia; his wife, Trancy Aguirre; son, Adam Aguirre, daughters Sylvia Aguirre, Eva Aguirre-Leal (Gary), Annette Portillo, Martina Aguirre, Tammy Rivera; and his beloved grandchildren, Juan Antonio Portillo, Elias Quintana, Judith Quezada (Alan), Lex-Sandra Enriquez, Arianna Aguirre, Amelia Hernandez, Jose Diaz, Arely Perez,  Adam Benito Aguirre, and Xamantha Diaz. and his ex-wife Lucia Aguirre.

Visitation and rosary will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Riverside Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.