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JOSE ARUEGO Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JOSE ARUEGO
Sponsored by Jose's Many Fans.
Bobbijean Spellman
June 20, 2025
I am the Librarian at B'nai Shalom Day School in Greensboro, NC. I found one of the books that Jose Aruego and his wife illustrated. He signed the copy in 1992 and drew a small picture. I was hoping our students could send him their pictures and let him know we still have his book. I was sad to learn of his passing, but grateful to learn more about his life in my search for him.
Sherry Willome
September 16, 2024
He was at a speaking engagement in San Antonio that I attended. I asked him to come to talk to the teachers at my elementary school. Without hesitation, he accepted and stayed about two hours discussing his art, and signing books, etc. He was so kind and generous. Did not charge us. It made a huge impact on our teachers. I still have a picture he drew and signed from 1993 (Nov.) RIP to a talented and special man.
Sherri
May 1, 2024
I am an elementary teacher and have always loved Jose's books! I actually had the chance to meet him when he visited my school in Lancaster, PA. It was quite the experience! He will be missed by so many.
Ruth Kaplan
September 30, 2021
My 30 year old daughter and I just picked up a used copy of Leo the Late Bloomer at a library give away on Block Island, Rhode Island. I had read the book before but my daughter had not. We were both captivated by it and it´s wonderful message and we are now Jose Aruego fans and plan to explore his many amazing creations. Can´t wait!!! May his memory be blessed.
GgTR
August 10, 2021
Leo the Late Bloomer is one of my all-time favorites. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent to the world. Many generations loved your books.
God bless you po.
Peggy Caldwell
August 4, 2018
I have a book Rockabye Crocodile which is signed by Jose. Bought for my children in 1997- I'm now reading it to my first grand daughter and just discover this talented caring author has passed. May peace be with his family.
Hannah Scarpati
February 6, 2017
Mr Aruego came to the school district where I previously lived about 25 years ago. I was privileged to spend the day with him, witnessing the joy of his craft that he shared with both students and educators.
I now read the same autographed books to my grandchildren. They have withstood the test of time, with topics still pertinent today. And the personalized illustration with his signature still brings a smile to us.
Chris
December 10, 2016
I was unaware of Mr. Aruegos passing a few years ago. I was just talking to my girlfriend about how when I was a kid an illustrator for a book that I loved as a child, Mitchell is moving, came and visited my class in my schools library and left quite the impression on me. He fueled my budding passion for illustration myself.
I'm happy to read that he continued to lead a wonderful and productive life in the more than 30 years since he made his impression on my young self. I know this is 4 years late but I just had to let his family and friends know that he'll continue to be remembered the world over for a long time to come. His work lives on.
Robert Alejandro
November 10, 2016
I've always looked up to Mr. Aruego - He made us Filipino children's book illustrators SO PROUD.
He once visited Manila and I remember I would take every opportunity to see him and attend his "talks". He was incredibly generous.
He once gave a talk at the Ateneo grade school and did a little drawing trick for the school children - he would make drawings out of letters!
I was so impressed and the truth is, i now do this same "trick" that i learned from Mr. Aruego (i hope he doesn't mind).
Thank you Mr. Jose Aruego! Looking forward to seeing you again!
Cathy Roach
November 9, 2016
I remember standing in line at a library conference in the early 1970s just to be the first one to get my Owiliver book autographed. It was a lasting friendship even though we only occasionally ran into each other at library events. Jose was a guest in my home at one time and I still have the drawing of a moose he made using the then new and innovative device - a Koala Pad. LOL I was so sad to read of his death at only 80 years. He still had so much more joy to give with his bright and happy illustrations. I treasure my small library of autographed books signed with whimsical drawings that he always added to his signature. He had an amazing spirit and I am happy that it will live on in his picture books that hopefully will remain in print (or digitally LOL) to inspire many future generations.
Helen Burkart Presser
June 28, 2015
I first saw Jose at Ball state University, while attending a teacher's workshop. Armed with an overhead projector and marker, he mesmerized everyone in attendance with his humorous drawings and witty personality. Years later, I met him at a workshop in the art of illustration and we became fast friends. Over the years, he visited the elementary school where I taught several times. My students delighted him with performances and displays based on his books and he engaged everyone with his unique presentations showcasing line drawings, wit and humor. This humble author, illustrator, calligrapher and father to Juan spent a lifetime using his talents to inspire others. He was my friend and will be missed.
Maria Bolton-Joubert
April 27, 2015
Speechless. I was in 4th grade when Mr Aruego visited our Rolling Valley Elm School in Springfield, VA. It was so inspiring. HE was so inspiring. To meet an adult, when youre a child -- who drew for a living, ... a real-life artist. It was so so so inspiring. He encouraged me -- I told him I drew, and he told me to stick with it and keep at it! I'm 33 -- and a professional artist myself -- and I wanted to finally thank him. I googled him tonight, and discovered that he past about 2.5 years ago. I am so sad. But --I am so happy he lived such a long and amazing life. I just wish I could have said thank you sooner. So, thank you Mr Aruego. I want you to know that you inspired me, and motivated me to pursue my passion. You touched so many creative minds and hearts. And, I am a huge animal lover now as well. THANK YOU. Bless you. And til we meet again, be well. PS: I eat my veggies, and that stuck with me with with "Gregory, the Terrible Eater" :D Yours truly, Maria Bolton-Joubert PS: I only just learned tonight that he created books with his wife --I think that is so sweet and endearing. Just lovely.
Jose Aruego's Illustration for the book "How the Sun Brought Back to the Sky"
Maria Madonna Davidoff
September 3, 2012
At the Society of Illustrators, in NYC, I was introduced to Jose Aruego by Eva & Bert Florentino. Since then, he was an inspiration to me as a children,s book illustrator, and often encouraged me to participate at the Society's events. An inspiration and a great motivator. He will be truly missed.
linda nietes
September 3, 2012
I first met Joe in the early seventies when I started Casalinda Bookshop in Manila. He was visiting and I was introduced to him. When I visited NY, I looked him up and he was a gracious host showing me new and exciting stuffs happening in NY. Have visited him twice in NY and his flat was a real artist den. Our discussions would always center on yoga, meditation and spirituality, and hope that Joe now have found answers to his questions. We have been in touch for a while, then we both got busy and except for an occasional message here and then, we did not really get to see each other again. But we were in touch in spirit. Joe, may my prayers accompany you on your journey back to the father. Your spirit lives ... your books will always be dear to my heart!
August 18, 2012
See you in the next life Tito Jose, Your memories willl forever be remembered.
Justo Jose A. Torres llll
Christy Torres-Johansen
August 18, 2012
Dear Tito Jose,
I will miss you but know that Lolo, Lola and Mommy will welcome you in heaven. May you have the eternal peace you rightfully deserve.
Susan Jacobs
August 16, 2012
You and your art will be missed!
Idai Cabading
August 16, 2012
Manong Jose, may you rest in peace my dear cousin. I love you and miss you. See you in heaven.
tetes morales
August 16, 2012
dearest jose... super, anna and tetes join your legions of friends and admirers in mourning your passing. we will treasure the books you signed for the school children at the Learning Lab and our personal copies. these are now being read by my grandchildren. rest in peace with the Savior who gave you the gift of delighting children and adults!
Bernadette Hernandez
August 15, 2012
My preschool children love, love, love his books and I do, too. "Leo the Late Bloomer," "Mushroom in the Rain," "Five Little Ducks" and many more. An inspiration to many Filipinos. Thank you for sharing your talent to the whole world.
Judy Hovde
August 15, 2012
Jose drew an illustration on the front 2 pages of one of his books I had purchased, he was a wonderful illustrator and very kind-hearted. It saddens me that he is gone from earthly life.
Jill Quillian
August 15, 2012
Jose was my dear friend. I knew he had a stroke after our Boston calligraphy conference and then did not hear from him again. He was an inspiration to me in all the arts, especially illustrating and calligraphy. We had many wonderful, sharing times together at calligraphy conferences or when I could get to NY. Jose accomplished so much in his life, but was always humble about his work. He loved all the calligraphic arts and even purchased some of my pieces. Rest in peace, Jose. xoxoxo
Megan Chapin
August 15, 2012
I had the distinct pleasure of taking a year long calligraphy class with Jose. I recall he was quiet, but had a great sense of humor. I admired his work and was so pleased to know him. I am so sorry for your loss...
Bonnie Noehr
August 14, 2012
a wonderful artist! I remember him from calligraphy conferences.
Cindy Woodruff
August 14, 2012
Jose spend a week in Fort Wayne, Indiana and delighted hundreds of children aand made some long-standing friendships, too. Rest in peace, Jose. Love to Juan.
Cheryl Sparrow
August 14, 2012
This is truely heart breaking. As of this week, I came across my saved illaminated (The Herald-Pittsburgh PA) newspaper clipping with Jose Aruego. Its dated May 15, 1985. Jose came to my elementary school to demostrate his illustrating skills. I kept the newspaper clipping because i was sitting in the front row of his presentation. Jose inspired me to have a passion for art. I came across his article because I wanted to review his childrens books. Since I can not obtain the books from my local library I decided to Google him and unfortunately thats how I found out he passed away. Jose will be missed by millions.
May Tobias-Papa
August 14, 2012
I first became acquainted with Jose Aruego's work as an art college student. I was looking for a children's book to animate for our electronic productions class, and, by sheer serendipity, I came across "Juan and the Asuangs: A Tale of Philippine Ghosts and Spirits" in our library while I was doing research for another subject. I fell instantly in love! I thought it was a pretty awesome, funny book about a Philippine mythological creature by somebody who, by the name, was obviously a Filipino, or who at least had Filipino blood--and, it was published by Scribner, too! The wonderful discovery set me on a lifelong hunt for my own copy; Juan and the Asuangs became my holy grail. But I have so far not had any luck because the book is already out-of-print, and continues to be out-of-print, though in the course of my search through the years, I'd picked up most of his other books that are still in print. He inspired me to be a writer and illustrator of children's books myself at a time when there were still very few children's book writer-illustrators in the Philippines after whom one could model one's career. Sadly, I've never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Aruego. My six-year-old son is now the proud, happy owner of my Jose Aruego book collection.
You will be dearly missed, Mr. Aruego! Thank you for the wonderful, wonderful books!
I.T. "Sid" Garbanzos
August 14, 2012
My son Aaron (who is now 8 years old) was one of those whom Joe touched by his generosity by giving him the book for Christmas which he autographed in his own unique way.
I only wished he could have gone to my son's school here in New York and share the wonderful world of his passion to the children of Queens.
I will miss him at our reunions of the Sigma Rho Alumni Association of New York.
Anna Pinto
August 14, 2012
So sorry to read the news about Jose. He was a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the Society of Scribes, and a wonderfully talented illustrator and calligrapher. His family has all our sympathy - We will miss him!
Nemah Hermosa
August 14, 2012
Jose Aruego--great artist and storyteller, awesome friend--you will always be remembered.
Jose Badelles
August 14, 2012
Dear Ariane and Juan. I am proud to share his first name. also even prouder that he gave me an autographed copy of LEO THE LATE BLOOMER. He has greatly influenced my style of using expressive gesture-lines for my illustrations. I will miss him yet he lives forever in his books and stories.
Terry Christner
August 14, 2012
Jose Aruego came to our first children's author symposium in October 1986, sponsored jointly by the Hutchinson (KS) Public Library and the South Central Kansas Library System. He spoke to over 200 children during one session, and was the banquet speaker one evening. He was such a gentle man. The children loved him. The adults loved him. Hopefully his works will continue to entertain children for years to come.
mailin paterno
August 14, 2012
i never knew him, but i have to believe he was kind and funny and gentle, and, yes, generous. his books say he was all of that,and they will live on.
Ernie and Bopeep Ladrido
August 14, 2012
My husband and I condole with the family of the late Jose Aruego.
Filipinos are proud of him!
Ernesto G. Ladrido III, UP Sigma Rho, 1966
Maria Lourdes L. Ladrido, former member of the Board of Directors, Reading Association of the Philippines and member of the International Reading Association
Micki, Harley and Hiro Spiller
August 14, 2012
Dear Ariane and Juan,
please accept our most sincere condolences and know that we continue to enjoy Jose's great work with our soon-to-be four year old. The books are delightful and consistently bring joy and better morals into our lives. sadly, Micki, Harley and Hiro
Beaulah Pedregosa Taguiwalo
August 14, 2012
If one is an illustrator, especially a visiting Filipino children's illustrator whether published or aspiring, the one thing in Manhattan that one must not miss was to try and pay a visit to Jose Aruego at his apartment on the Upper East Side. Like many others before me, I was awed by his body of work---sixty plus published illustrated children's books; overwhelmed by his generosity---he tried to show me everything, all the steps and all the materials he used in his work flow including tissues (what? I secretly asked myself, having never used them); and touched by his kindness---he insisted on showing me how easy it was to take a bus back to Midtown instead of taking a cab or walking all the way. Jose Aruego, you will always be admired and missed.
robert alejandro
August 14, 2012
Long long time ago, Mr. Aruego came to Manila to give a series of workshops to students and to Filipino children's book illustrators. He was very generous, candid and shared all he could. He is an inspiration to us illustrators in his home country. He will be dearly missed but he will always be alive and well in our hearts, in his books and in the hearts of children around the world!
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