Refugio Avila passed away in Livingston on July 31. He was born in Tlatenango, Zacatecas on Sept. 7, 1920. He moved to the United States from Mexico, leaving behind his wife, Maria Abigail Del Real Avila and two children through the Bracero Program. He worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company that took him to Illinois, Texas, Oregon, Washington, and California. He later worked for the U.S. Forestry Department in Oregon. When he came to live in Livingston, he worked for Perkins Rose Company in Newman.
 In 1959 his family immigrated to Livingston and was happy to call it home. Refugio “Cuco” Avila was a hard worker with a strong work ethic. He proudly worked for many agricultural companies throughout the Valley such as the Gallo Family, Nakashima Family, Robert Vieker, Foster Farms, and Plant 7 Tri-Valley growers. He enjoyed the outdoors, working on his vegetable garden, and he was always keeping busy. He loved being around his family and friends, and he will truly be missed.
Refugio is survived by nine children, Margarita Diaz of Modesto, Federico Avila of Delhi, Maria Magdalena Monteon of Guadalajara, Mexico, Ramon Avila, Martha Silvia Nateras, Blanca Estela Bertalotto, Guillermina (Gigi) Casanova, Conrado Avila and Mario Avia, all from Livingston; 33 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and siblings, Margarita Avila Lopez of Turlock and Nicholas Avila of Huntington Park. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Abigail Del Real Avila; one great grandson; one sister; and four brothers.
A viewing will be held from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5 at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Rosary will follow at 6:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 6 at St. Jude’s Church in Livingston.
His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of Emanuel, 825 Delbon Ave., Turlock, CA 95382.