Msgt Eulalio Noriega, Jr

MSGT Eulalio G. “Chico” Noriega, Jr

U.S. Air Force, Retired

Eulalio “Chico” Noriega, Jr. of Las Vegas, NV passed away on August 19, 2016.  He was born April 2, 1943 to Eulalio Sr. and Concepcion Teresa Noriega, in Tempe, Arizona and was raised in Scottsdale, Arizona.  He graduated from Scottsdale High School in 1961.

After his high school graduation, he immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force and honorably served his country for 22 years as a jet aircraft crew chief which included a tour in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968.

Chico was considered an expert on jet aircraft and was handpicked as one of the initial cadre Red Eagles 4477 TES squadron of the Constant Peg project of America’s Secret MiG squadron with Col. Gaillard Peck, Jr.  It was his last assignment of his military career and he loved it.

Upon retirement from his military career from Nellis Air Force base in 1983, Chico returned to his beloved jets as a D.O.D civilian at Nellis Air Force Base retiring as the F16 dock chief in 2008.  He was responsible for a mixed group of civilian and active military staff in the 57th Wing squadron, all sharing the same dedication and love of their country and safety of “their” fighter pilots.  At his civilian retirement, he was presented recognition by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.  It was very special to him to receive such recognition as he was a humble man who worked hard with honesty and integrity.

Another of Chico’s proudest moments was when his only son, Mario, became a North Las Vegas Police Officer and gave 23 years to the NLVPD, retiring in January of 2016.

Chico is survived by his wife of 30 years, Audrey, son Mario (Jessica) of Las Vegas, brother Edward (Laurie) of Page, Arizona, Augustine (Panda) of Apache Junction, Arizona and Ernest (Lori-Lyn) of Scottsdale, Arizona and beloved Tia’s.

Special gratitude to Father Michael of St. Francis de Sales for rushing to Chico’s bedside and providing the prayers and blessings that allowed Chico to pass peacefully and quietly.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday September 15, 2016 at 1:20 p.m. at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

His cremains will be interred at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, NV after Audrey first spreads his ashes at the “home away from home”, Humani Ranch in Zimbabwe and at his favorite “rock” hunting spot in Nevada.

Additionally, in the fall of 2016, a mass will be held at the Old Mission Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.  The notice will appear in the Arizona Republic once the date has been established.

The family is grateful for the love and support shown by so many and we thank you so much but we are declining flowers and donations.  We loved him, he loved us, all is good.

Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com