In Memoriam
Tributes & Remembrances
The words of those who knew him best
When word of Judge Arreola's passing reached his colleagues across California, letters and remembrances arrived from judges, attorneys, community leaders, and family members — each one a testament to the depth of his impact. The tributes gathered here preserve the voices of those whose lives he touched.
“We called him the Energizer Bunny of Judges.”
“His friendship, energy, intellect, and compassion for others will be sorely missed.”
“He was always willing to help others. He never seemed to run out of steam.”
In Memoriam
Rafael Arreola — A Life of Service
March 18, 1941 — September 16, 2026
Rafael Arreola was born March 18, 1941, in Catirina, Jalisco, Mexico. He passed away September 16, 2026, in Riverside, California, surrounded by his family. He was 85 years old.
He came to the United States in 1954 with his mother. His American education began at Riverside Lincoln Elementary School, where he was placed in second grade because he spoke no English. As a 13-year-old, he towered over his classmates — but he learned quickly, became a star student at University Middle School on University Avenue, and earned a plaque as Eighth Grade Math Student of the Year. He graduated from Poly High School in 1963.
He earned his AA from Riverside City College in 1965, then a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley in 1969 and 1970. He worked for the City of Riverside as a civil engineer before deciding he wanted to be a lawyer. He enrolled at Stanford and graduated from Stanford Law School in 1974.
His first job as an attorney was with Alameda County Legal Aid. He moved to San Diego and worked for San Diego Legal Aid for several years until he was appointed a judge in San Diego in 1981. He retired in 2007 — but for those who knew him, retired to Rafael meant working harder than judges half his age. He sat as an Assigned Judge in San Diego, then Riverside and San Bernardino counties, right up to the present day.
Judge Arreola was the Patriarch of his family. He had brothers and sisters in Riverside. He had four children — Aurora, Carey (a Stanford graduate), David, and Rafael Jr. — along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. He loved his family deeply, and they often gathered at his house.
A couple of months before his passing, he mentioned some pains in his chest. It turned out to be lung cancer that had spread to the ribs. Despite aggressive treatment, it spread fast. On Monday, September 14, he gathered up his energy and said he wanted two more days — so he could make his 45th anniversary. September 16 was the 45th anniversary of his becoming a judge. He made it.
Written by a longtime colleague and friend
Letters of Tribute
In Their Own Words
“Your example demonstrates what can happen when someone not only succeeds personally, but also makes it possible for others to succeed.”
Hon. Amalia Meza
Superior Court Judge
Stanford Law Class of 1979 — Legal Aid colleague, San Diego Superior Court
“You were fair and treated everyone with respect. You made a difference in many people's lives.”
Hon. Roderick W. Shelton
Assistant Presiding Judge
Appeared before Judge Arreola as both deputy public defender and deputy district attorney
“You did not just talk the talk — you also walked the walk. You serve as an inspiration to me and to all the other Latino judges who followed in your footsteps.”
Hon. Esteban Hernandez
California Latino Judges Association
Fellow founding member, California Latino Judges Association
“You have always been a person we admire and respect for all you have achieved in your remarkable life. May God continue to bless and keep you.”
Hon. Joe Littlejohn
Judge & Lifelong Friend
Appointed to the bench the same year as Judge Arreola — a lifelong friend and colleague
“He was the glue that held the Arreola clan together.”
Marge Bock
Family Friend
Family friend, writing to Jennifer
“You took us into your life and family. You are a friend and colleague and excel at both.”
Larrie Brainard
Friend & Colleague
Shared Tuesday dinners for years
“He was a hard worker and a visionary; he's had a meaningful and significant impact in the San Diego legal community, and I am grateful for him.”
Hon. Patricia Garcia
Retired Judge, San Diego Superior Court
Colleague on the San Diego Superior Court
Add Your Voice
Share Your Remembrance
If you knew Judge Arreola — as a colleague, a mentee, a community member, or a friend — the family welcomes your tribute. Letters, reflections, and remembrances may be submitted through the contact page and will be considered for inclusion in this archive.
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