A beloved Tucson teacher and musician has passed away.

Refugio Del Cid died Saturday at the age of 73 following complications from a stroke he suffered 10 days earlier. He was very appreciated and loved at Sunnyside High School, where he taught mariachi music for over 20 years. Prior to his teaching career, he lived a colorful life performing with some of Mexico’s top singers and mariachi groups in Los Angeles. Affectionately known as “Cuco” or “maestro” to his students and mariachi peers, Del Cid found his true passion in teaching music, embracing educational opportunities and leading others to success and happiness.

His joy and satisfaction with his jobs made him a favorite with fellow teachers and students. “For more than twenty years, Cuco served as Director of Mariachi Los Diablitos de Sunnyside, having spent more than half a century learning and honing the fine art of Mariachi, along the way earning the affectionate and most respectful title of ‘Maestro,'” the SUSD wrote in a post on their Facebook page.