Arturo Sierra, 60, of Peralta, New Mexico formerly of East Moline, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at his home. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Silvis, IL. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, East Moline. Arturo was born October 16, 1948 in Moline, the son of John and Adela (Cervantes) Sierra. He graduated from United Township High School in 1966. He married Teresa Rodriguez. He later married Leslie Oakes. Arturo grew up in Illinois and attended Western Illinois State University where he obtained both Bachelors and Masters Degrees. He worked as an advocate of first generation and underrepresented students for over 30 years at Blackhawk Community College, the University of Iowa and at the University of New Mexico as director of the College Enrichment Program. After leaving UNM, he became a licensed massage therapist working in both Los Lunas and Albuquerque. In recent year, he enjoyed traveling through Europe and Mexico where he gained many close friends. Arturo was a man with deep spiritual beliefs who will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Survivors include: his wife, Leslie Oakes, children by his first wife, Arturo Simon, and Carmen Luz, sisters: Mary, Rachel, Barbara, Mariana, Caroline, and a brother John William. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com