Belen's Obituary

Belen Arriaga, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away surrounded by love. Born on December 1, 1953, in New York City and raised in Spanish Harlem, Belen's life was one marked by compassion, dedication, and service to others.

She graduated from Julia Richmond High School and went on to attend Bronx Community College. Throughout her career in the medical field, Belen earned certifications as a Medical Assistant, Certified Dental Assistant, Certified Phlebotomist, and Physical Therapy Assistant. She used these skills to help others, always motivated by a deep desire to care for people in their time of need.

Belen volunteered regularly at her church, contributed to food pantries, and gave to organizations such as Jewish Voice Ministries and ASRM. Her generous heart and faithful spirit were evident in everything she did.

On August 16, 1976, Belen married the love of her life, Richard Arriaga Sr. The two shared 56 wonderful years together, 49 of those as a married couple. Belen was the heart of her family - loving, caring, and selfless. She found joy in reading her Bible and other books, coloring and painting, arts and crafts, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Belen will be remembered as a very considerate, generous, loyal, and honest woman. She truly loved her Lord and Savior, and she adored her children and grandchildren deeply, as well as her many nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Arriaga Sr., and daughter, Giselle Arriaga. She is also survived by her siblings: David Irizarry, Zoraida Rodriguez, and Rosa Irizarry; grandchildren Nadya Nicole Arriaga, Jayla Giselle Arriaga, and Dylan Wade.

She is preceded in death by her mother Constantia Santa Gomez, father Alfredo Irizarry, son Richard Arriaga Jr., sister Maria Irizarry, and brothers Alfredo Irizarry Jr. and Robert Irizarry.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the HCA Largo Hospital for their care and to the doctor who performed her surgery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her GoFundMe to support the family during this time.Along with the ASPCA