Celso Raul Moreno

Celso Raul Moreno passed away peacefully in his home in Aurora, Colorado on January 7th, 2020 surrounded by family at the age of 98. Celso was born in Huasahuasi, Peru on May 8th, 1921 to Celso Moreno and Rosa Moscoso.

He married Rosa Hilaria Prado in July 1950 and together they raised 10 children. He is survived by his brother Ulises and sister Lis, his children Rodolfo, David, Eduardo, Lizardo, Felix, Elizabeth, Napoleon, Carmen, Abelardo, and Gerardo, his 14 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Celso and his wife, Rosa, moved to Colorado on July 16th, 1991 eight days after his granddaughter Leticia was born. Together with their daughter Elizabeth, they began a new life in the United States anchored in family, friends, the local Peruvian culture, and the community around Lupita's Restaurant. Over the years, they were joined by their children Felix, Carmen, Rodolfo, Eduardo, David, and Gerardo, with extended visits from all of their children.

Celso was fond of Colorado because the view of the Rocky Mountains reminded him of where he was from. Born in humble circumstances, he grew up quickly to work in the coal mines of Peru to help provide for his family at the age of 16. He held great pride in claiming he was self-made and self-educated beyond 8th grade. He was very fond of books and magazines such as Readers Digest and National Geographic.

After his time as a miner, he began his career as a radio technician in Lima, Peru and was transferred to Arequipa. There, he met his wife-to-be Rosa, as they bonded over a love of music. Following their wedding, Celso and Rosa moved back to his hometown of Huasahuasi to establish their livelihood as potato farmers.

Celso was known for his work ethic, loyalty, and humorous spirit. The efforts of his labor remain both in Peru and in the United States through remnants of his homes, his craftiness, and stories.

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