Athletics News
    Longtime Trojan Aid Xavier Suazo Dies
    Longtime security and travel coordinator for USC athletics for 35 years died Tuesday at the age of 72.
    Xavier Suazo, who served coordinated security and travel logistics for USC athletics for the past 35 years, passed away Tuesday at the age of 72
    Xavier Suazo, who served coordinated security and travel logistics for USC athletics for the past 35 years, passed away Tuesday at the age of 72

    Dec. 21, 2011

    LOS ANGELES¬Xavier Suazo, who coordinated security and travel logistics for USC's athletic teams for the past 35 years, died on Tuesday (Dec. 20) at his home in South Pasadena, Calif., of heart failure after a lengthy battle with diabetes. He was 72.

    A Catholic Mass and funeral for Suazo will be held on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Vincent Catholic Church (621 W. Adams, Los Angeles 90007). A reception will follow immediately at a location that will be announced at the service. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made in his name to either the USC Athletic Department or to Los Angeles' Loyola High School.

    Known to many as "X-Man," Suazo handled a variety of matters related to security and travel for Trojan teams since 1976. He was a popular and beloved fixture around USC sporting events at home and on the road, and was often spotted on the football sidelines providing security for Trojan coaches.

    He also served as a special agent supervisor for the California Department of Justice for nearly 40 years before retiring in 1997. In that capacity, he supervised major criminal investigations and worked security details for numerous government officials and heads of state.

    A graduate of Loyola High and Cal State Los Angeles, he earned a master's degree in public administration from USC in 1978.

    He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and his children Art, Ed, Rosemarie Lewis and Katherine Robi, as well as 7 grandchildren, a great grandchild and a stepson.