Refugio Mesa
It is with a heavy heart and sadness that we share news of the passing of our beloved dad, Refugio Mesa. He was also known as Cuco and Don Cuco. Refugio passed away on May 5, 2025, peacefully at home surrounded by his children.
Born on October 24, 1939, in Brownsville, Texas, to Refugio Meza, and Catalina Pereira. He moved to Goleta with his wife and four children in the late-60s. The family settled in a quiet neighborhood in Isla Vista. In 1982, he bought his first home in Goleta. He did landscaping work before getting a full-time position at UC Santa Barbara in 1970. He started as a landscaper and quickly became the Landscape/Maintenance Supervisor. He worked for UCSB for 30 years before he retired.
His dear wife, Herlinda Rendon Mesa, passed away before Refugio on September 22, 2011. He cared for her tenderly during her years fighting breast cancer and stayed by her side until the end. Refugio remained committed to his church, children, and friends. His friendly smile, jokes, and kindness draw in many of his family and friends to enjoy his hospitality at his home. Refugio was very generous. He was the kind of guy who would give you his shirt off his back. He was humble, caring, funny, quirky, much-loved, and so appreciated by many.
Refugio loved music, Los Tigres del Norte was his favorite group, and he would listen to them for hours. But he got the most enjoyment from hearing his favorite song, “La Puerta Negra.” He was also a huge Dallas Cowboys fan! His family surprised him for his 77th birthday with a trip to Dallas to see a Cowboys football game. A memory he always carried with him.
Refugio’s home was a place of joy and celebration. He hosted many large family gatherings, including Tamale Making parties, Birthdays, and Fiestas in his beautiful front yard. Poker Night gatherings were common on Friday Nights, which welcomed many for drinks, food, laughter, and warm hospitality.
Refugio is survived by his eldest son, Refugio Mesa, Jr. (Marissa), his daughters, Norma Mesa (Larry), and Irma Ivers (Kevin), and his younger son, Eddie Mesa. He is also survived by five grandchildren — Charlene, Melissa, Danika, Nicole, and Eddie Jonathan, plus ten great-grandchildren, Victoria, Michael, Marisa, Jakob, Benjamin, Zayden, Rosalie, Dean, Raelynne, and Ella.
Dad, you will always remain in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19th at Goleta Beach Area A, 2 pm gathering. We hope his family, friends, and all who were touched by Refugio will join us to honor him. Please bring your stories to share with all.
His legacy lives on in our hearts — a kind, strong, and generous man who never asked for praise, only the chance to enjoy his family and friends.
