Gaston Urquizu, 92, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, just weeks before his 93rd birthday.

Born in Catavi, Bolivia, to Ernesto and Lola Urquizu, Gaston grew up in a family whose life was shaped in part by his father's work as a physician serving Bolivia's mining communities. He attended the American Institute in Bolivia, later lived in Germany, and then made his way to the United States. He settled in DeKalb, Illinois, where his brothers had already established their lives.

During his working years, Gaston worked for GTE and DeKalb Ag, handling computer tape reels and their storage and maintenance.

Gaston had an enduring curiosity about the world and a passion for travel. He loved discovering new places, experiencing different cultures, and admiring the beauty of unfamiliar landscapes. His travels took him throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. From Vietnam and Thailand to Austria, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Peru, and the beautiful islands of the Caribbean, he embraced every opportunity to explore the world.

He also had a lasting appreciation for nature and the environment. A longtime subscriber to Sierra magazine, he remained interested in the natural world, reflecting the same curiosity that inspired his travels.

Tennis was another of Gaston's great passions. He loved being on the court and kept playing for as long as he could. And when he could no longer play, his enthusiasm for the sport never faded. He remained an avid fan, faithfully following the matches and rarely missing an opportunity to watch the game he loved.

Gaston eventually made his home in Pensacola, Florida, where he enjoyed his independence and the comfort of living life on his own terms. He was particular about how he liked things done, and after many years of living alone, he had developed his own routines—and preferred to keep them that way.

Gaston loved telling stories, and he was never one to rush to the end. His stories often took the scenic route, with plenty of interesting detours along the way. His niece lovingly joked that she could put the phone down, run a couple of errands, and return to find Gaston still happily telling the same story.

He had a delightful sense of humor and never took himself too seriously. Nearly every text message included an "LOL," often after a funny observation about something silly he had done or hadn't quite figured out. He could laugh at himself, and he gave those around him plenty of reasons to smile.

Although Gaston never married or had children, his life was rich with meaningful relationships. His longtime friendship with Miklos P. Denes and Mick's son, Christopher P. Denes, began in DeKalb and continued in Pensacola. Christopher held a particularly special place in Gaston's heart, as did Christopher's children, Samuel and Sean Denes. Gaston adored them as his own grandchildren, and the love was mutual. They became family to him in every sense that mattered, bringing companionship, affection, and joy to his later years.

Gaston is preceded in death by his parents, Ernesto and Lola Urquizu; his siblings, Sara Urquizu, Hugo E. Urquizu, and Enrique P. Urquizu; and his niece, Miriam Gemio Urquizu. With the passing of his siblings, he became what his family affectionately called "the last of the Mohicans"—the last surviving sibling of his generation. His passing closes a special chapter in the family's history, but the stories, laughter, and memories live on.

He is survived by his beloved sister-in-law, Minerva Urquizu; his nieces and nephews, Hugo Urquizu Jr. (Adela Peña), Ruth Urquizu (Kari Underly), Elizabeth Goodin (Mark), Mike Urquizu (Casey), Marcelo Gemio Urquizu, and Jorge Gemio Urquizu, along with several great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and many loving cousins and extended family members.

A private gathering will be held in Pensacola, where Gaston's ashes will be scattered by his family and the dear friends who became family to him.

Gaston will be remembered for his independent spirit, his endless curiosity, his humor, and the people he held dear. He lived life in his own way, with a story always ready to tell and, more often than not, an "LOL" to follow.

Though his travels took him around the world, Pensacola was home. It is there, surrounded by the love of those who meant so much to him, that he will be remembered and laid to rest.