TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — In the hours following a somber morning at St. Augustine Cathedral downtown for the funeral mass for late Congressman Raúl Grijalva, family, friends and members of the community gathered at El Casino Ballroom in South Tucson for a celebration of his life—remembering him with music, food and dancing at a place special to the Grijalva family for decades.
REMEMBERING CONGRESSMAN GRIJALVA |FULL MULTI-REPORTER COVERAGE:
By Craig Smith
Among the dignitaries in attendance Wednesday morning were former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. KGUN 9's Craig Smith reflects that Southern Arizonans knew Raúl Grijalva as dedicated to causes like working people and natural resources. You also knew him as an individual: The service here showed us more of that side of him.
Grijalva had a respect and reputation in Congress that could bring in former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“I come here to sing in praises but also to thank you for making Raúl the person, the leader that he is and also for sending him to Congress,“ Pelosi eulogized.
Also in attendance, prominent newer members of Congress, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“Raúl gave me and so many countless others real and rare opportunities to grow and to lead,” Ocasio-Cortez said during the service.
But then there was his very human side, shared by Grijalva's friends who go way back, like Ruben Reyes. He was a student when he met Grijalva. Later, Reyes was the local district director for all of Grijalva’s 22 years in Congress. He says that made for some wild car trips around the district where Grijalva would talk to everyone—from mayors to waiters and landscapers.
"The car would be a mess, newspapers and coffee stains everywhere," reflected Reyes. "His bean burrito, half eaten and half on his sweater vest—yes, Raul wears a sweater vest in Arizona in July. He would try to brush the beans off his vest and ask, 'does this look better for the press conference?' I said, 'No, man it’s all over you.'
"'Nah,' he would say,” Reyes said.
Grijalva’s daughters say he was a loving dad, and a practical joker who held onto the sense of humor he had as a kid who loved costumed Mexican wrestling and the Three Stooges.
“He had no fiercer support than his mother, my Nona. As a kid, he drove her and her sisters crazy with his one-man versions of Moe, Larry, and Curly,” said his daughter Raquel Grijalva.
After the funeral Mass for Congressman Raul Grijalva on Wednesday morning, family and loved ones celebrated his life at El Casino Ballroom. There were speeches, mariachi performances, dancing, and a meal.
Hundreds of people packed into the venue, each sharing their memories with Grijalva. Soleste Lupu, one of the community members at the Celebration of Life, said he was always a voice for the voiceless, and she wants to honor his legacy.
"After my mother passed away, Grijalva honored my mother's death as well as Dancing in the Streets Arizona by mentioning the name in the congressional record," she said. "He was just a tireless advocate for those who had no voice.”
Family, friends, and community members came together at El Casino Ballroom to honor the life and legacy of the late Congressman Raul Grijalva.
The longtime representative, known for his unwavering dedication to public service, was remembered in a celebration of life that reflected his deep connection to the South Tucson community.
For over 75 years, El Casino Ballroom has been a cornerstone of the community, hosting countless celebrations, including Grijalva's 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, Ramona. Those who knew him say there was no more fitting place to honor his memory.
"This was Raul's favorite gathering place...right here where we’re at right now," said civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. "And we’re all so lucky we knew Raul and could call him our friend."
Huerta was among several prominent figures who spoke at the event, highlighting Grijalva’s lasting impact on Arizona and beyond. His legacy of service was felt deeply, especially in the Southside community he called home.
Many attendees reflected on Grijalva’s humility and kindness. I recall a personal interaction with him just months ago.
I spoke to him here back in October, and he treated me with so much kindness. That’s the person he was, and that’s who everyone is out here celebrating today.
The event was a heartfelt tribute to a man who dedicated his life to advocating for his community, leaving a lasting mark on Arizona’s political and social landscape.
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