Maurilio Arreola León, 48, of Oakland, CA, passed away on February 23, 2024.

Maurilio was born on January 28,1976 to Maria de Jesús and Nicolas León in El Rancho La Deseada de Abajo, Uriangato, GTO. México. He is survived by his fiancée, parents, two brothers, sister, nieces, and nephew.

Maurilio immigrated to the United States at a young age with his parents, settling in northern California where he attended school and worked alongside his parents as farmworkers. Despite navigating an education system lacking in support for immigrant families, Maurilio was recognized as gifted and excelled in school. He later benefited from Migrant Education and federal TRIO programs and championed them throughout his life. Maurilio graduated from Chico High School in 1994 and became the first in his family to attend college, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and education from the University of California, Berkeley. While at CAL, Maurilio joined the Gamma Zeta Alpha fraternity and formed lifelong friendships. Later, he pursued a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School, strengthening his foundation for leadership.

After graduating, Maurilio worked in the financial industry and local government, including the City and County of San Francisco, Office of the Assessor-Recorder, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and Goldman Sachs London. Maurilio leveraged this experience to establish an influential career in community and economic development that centered immigrant families and underrepresented communities. He served as the Executive Vice President of the Unity Council, Chief Operating Officer of Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC), and the Chief Executive Officer of Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC). As CEO of TNDC, Maurilio’s impact reverberated across the affordable housing industry, leading toward a vision of community well-being through affordable housing, supportive programming, and community advocacy.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Maurilio was dedicated to his family. As the eldest son, he paved the way for his siblings to attend college and establish successful careers. Maurilio enjoyed spending time in northern California with his parents, working outside and being connected to the land. One of his biggest projects included purchasing a parcel of land that he converted into an almond orchard with his parents to support their retirement. Maurilio consistently sacrificed and worked hard to support his family’s well-being. He was proud to be their son, brother, and uncle and loved his family very much.

In 2013, Maurilio met the love of his life and fiancée, Rhea Elina Laughlin. Their connection was immediate, grounded in shared values, goals, and a deep emotional bond. As best friends and partners, they supported one another’s dreams, victories, and hardships with mutual love and respect. Their relationship was fueled by their deep commitment to one another, their families, and a passion to transform communities. They spent every free moment together, exploring the Bay, laughing, dancing, listening to live music, and tasting new foods. They cherished their Oakland home, two cats, Lulu and Lupita, and traveling together near and far. Maurilio and Rhea were deeply in love and brought immense happiness and meaning to one another’s lives.

Maurilio had many interests and talents, including traveling, hiking, cooking, building, reading, playing sports, and enjoying a nice tequila, whiskey or beer while discussing politics, or any topic at all. He loved games and making people laugh. He enjoyed winning competitions but could always be beat at a game of charades.

Maurilio had a genuine interest in people, listening intently, offering a new perspective, and bringing laughter wherever he went. His humility, generosity, and loving heart touched us all. We will miss his bright smile that lit up a room, his warm hugs, and the kindness and dedication with which he cared for his community. Maurilio will be remembered for his love, selflessness, and compassion that will continue to guide us.

Rest in peace and power precioso Maurilio. Te agradecemos, te adoramos, y nunca te olividaremos.

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