Dr. Celestino Z. Avila
Dr. Celestino Z. Avila was born on December 3, 1941 in Donna, Texas. From the very beginning, he was blessed with tremendous athletic ability and intellect. It wasn't just these talents and gifts he possessed, it was his competitive nature that propelled him to great achievements. It's fair to say that through the guiding hands and support of many coaches and teachers, Celestino was able to accomplish his goals and make a name of himself despite many obstacles. Early in his life Coach Earl Scott and the late Coach Bennie LaPrade were the most influential role models he had.
Dr. Avila graduated from Donna High School in 1960 and through hard work he received a four year athletic scholarship to attend and play football at Southwest Texas State University where he earned his degree. Celestino was a standout football player where he received numerous accolades but most importantly was blessed to play along the side of life-long friends Danny Leineweber, Wallace Dickey, Corky Nelson, Jerry Cole, and Rey Farias just to name a few.
He was a member of the Bobcat Football team from 1961-1963. He was a member of the undefeated 1963 10-0 Lone Star Conference Championship Football Team. He was also on the 1962 team which finished second place in the Lone Star Conference with a record of 8-2. Dr. Avila was named Honorable Mention Williamson All-American in 1961, and in 1963 was named All-Lone Star Conference First Team, All-Texas College Second Team and Honorable Mention Williamson All-American.
After earning his Biology and Chemistry degree at SWT, he returned to the Rio Grande Valley to teach and coach at Lyford, Los Fresnos and Edinburg school districts. Celestino later returned to further his education and pursue his medical degree at the Universidad de Monterrey.
Dr. Avila touched many hearts. Many of his patients saw him as a kind and soft-spoken person with a million dollar smile. He always made the time to give back to his community that he was very proud of. He was a great example for all to follow and was mentor to many people. Dr. Avila was caring and giving in nature as well and assisted many of Donna's students by providing scholarships to student-athletes who shared the same drive he did.
He was blessed with a large and loving family. He married Aurora Garza and together they raised five successful children. He taught them the appreciation of hard work, discipline, and humility. The family later grew and like everything else he set out to be the best grandparent he could be. He instilled the same values upon his grandchildren that he so affectionately preached. Grandpa made sure he attended every sporting event and school program and reminded them, "do your best and pray for the rest". Grandpa always made sure to be the first one to arrive and the last one to leave every birthday celebration.
Dr. Avila is survived by his wife, Aurora G. Avila and five children, Celestino Avila, Jr. (Sandra), Veronica (Xavier Bañuelos), Marco A. Avila, Julio C. Avila (Melissa), and Erica M. Avila; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters; and cherished extended family.
At the age of 75 he returned to his heavenly home on July 31st, 2017 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
