Arturo G. Mercado Sr.'s Obituary
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Arturo G. Mercado “SR”, 62, of Hayward, passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2020 with his entire family by his side.
Arturo was born December 15th 1957 in Mexico City, Mexico. The youngest son of Dionisio Mercado and Soledad “Chole” Gonzalez. He came to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1975 at the age of seventeen. He married Gloria Nungaray February 3rd 1979. Our family, along with many friends, have lost a magnificent man. He enjoyed being around family most! From family parties, a random get together and most notably family vacations. Food was always a big part of those reunions, and he would make his best dishes for those special holidays. His talkative nature and sense of life always made him the center of conversation. Everywhere he went, all would gather to hear his stories.
Arturo started his Auto Body career with the Miracle Auto Painting franchise. His tireless work ethic promoted him from sweeping floors to shop foreman in record time. After thirteen or so years, he went on to help the Arvizu & Moreno families run their chain of Bay Ram Collision centers, where he then stayed for over twenty years. In 2010, at the request of his oldest son Arthur, he joined Alameda Collision Repair, and became partner. Arturo worked side by side with his son until March 2020.
His true passion was Soccer. He played in several premier leagues throughout the Bay Area. He was known to be a very speedy, strong legged, goal scoring striker. Being that good got him several invitations to play for opposing teams in other tournaments/leagues. As his family and responsibilities grew, his focus turned to coaching girl’s youth soccer. He coached all three daughters and their teams to many first place finishes. Lastly, with still so much love for the game, he became a referee in his older years. The Hayward Youth Soccer League was his devotion.
Although his soul was taken sooner than we all expected, his larger than life voice will never be forgotten. He had a knack for reading people and befriending them, so much so making them part of the family. His home was always open to all and everywhere he went, new friends were made and new memories made. He enjoyed traveling and trying new foods everywhere he went, desert was his favorite. They definitely broke the mold after making him….
Those who will miss Arturo the most include his wife Gloria, his son Arthur and his wife Luz, Daughters – Arlene Anaya and husband Abelino, Elizabeth and Sarah. Sisters - Sylvia Mercado and her husband Javier, Narcissa Ybarra and her husband Arturo, Brothers – Andres Mercado and wife Rafaela, Arsenio Mercado. Most importantly his grandchildren, Arturo Andres Mercado, Adriana Anaya, & Abelino David Anaya. Last but not least, his entire work family of Alameda Collision Repair, most notably the crew at Everett St.
He was reunited in Heaven with his parents and brother Elias.
Services will be held in Chapel of the Chimes Hayward. Livestream/internet broadcast of the viewing will be from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm Thursday May 28th 2020. Livestream/internet broadcast of the burial will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Friday May 29th 2020.
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