We are devastated to announce that Donato “Albert” Avila, age 39, of Corpus Christi, TX, passed away on October 20, 2022, from natural causes. Albert is survived by his wife of 13 years, Julie, his father, Donato Avila Jr., his mother Bertha (Moises) Gomez, Mother and Father in Law Julian (Carolina) Franco, his sister, Amanda (Adan) Avila, his brothers, Donato “Donnie” Avila III and Moises (Michelle) Gomez Jr., an abundance of nieces and nephews, and a large extended family.

Albert was born in Hinesville, GA, and raised in Corpus Christi, TX, where he graduated from Roy Miller High School and attended Texas A&M Corpus Christi University. It was in high school that Albert met the love of his life, Julie. Leading up to and following their marriage in 2009, the couple was inseparable. They worked together, played together, and traveled together, all while making each other laugh. Their fun-loving personalities, creativity, and craziness for each other and with each other made them a perfect couple in every important way, and their relationship was an example to others of how to love fully and fearlessly.

It was also in Corpus Christi where Albert developed a talent and a passion for Mariachi music. After moving to Las Vegas in 2010, Albert immediately began to impact the community through music. Beginning with the founding of his beloved and nationally-recognized Mariachi Azul middle school Mariachi program, Albert demonstrated the power of Mariachi music to change lives and raised the prominence of local Mariachi programs through countless hours of practice, performance, and promoting to help the community see the tireless work of his students and peers. As a result of his efforts and successes in the Mariachi community, Albert earned the prestigious Heart of Education Award from the Rogers Foundation in 2020, and he was slated to be the first ever Mariachi Clinician at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago this year.

Albert was well loved by everyone who knew him. His humor, kindness, and enthusiasm were larger than life. His love of music was matched only by his love of cooking, new experiences, and “fresh kicks.” Ever ready with jokes, a big bear hug, and great advice on nearly any topic, Albert was always both the life of the party and one of the wisest people in the room. He was well-known for making everyone he loved feel like family, and he was never shy about wearing his heart on his sleeve. Yet for all of his accomplishments and success, Albert was also exceedingly humble: whenever someone talked about any of his amazing qualities, Albert would surely burst into tears of appreciation. He never craved the spotlight, but it always found him through his dedication.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Mariachi Azul at Fremont Professional Development Middle School.

Mariachi Azul will be attending the Mariachi Extravaganza competing in memory of Mr. Avila.

Special thanks from the family of Albert Avila to St. Rose Dominican Hospital San Martin ICU nurses and staff, Clark County School District Mariachi Programs, and most importantly Fremont Academy Middle School Students and Staff for their continued love and support.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Avila family.