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Joseph Arroyo Obituary
August 23, 1921
June 23, 1993
Twenty years ago today your family was struck with the most unexpected heartbreak and grief. Somehow God gave us the strength to forge ahead. Dad, you taught us joy, kindness, dignity, honesty, compassion, patience, humor and how to love unconditionally. Your family meant the world to you and you were the universe to all of us. You and Mom are our greatest gifts in life. Your flame burns on in each of us. We miss you, Dad! Our eternal love. Your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Arroyo
Sponsored by Donna Stephens.
Donna Stephens
June 17, 2025
Papa....My greatest love of all. Mama too.
Donna Stephens
June 17, 2024
As Louis Armstrong sang...What A Wonderful World. I carry you with you with me eternally.
Ron Moore
May 4, 2024
I met Joe in the mid to late 1980's while working at his Daughter Suzanne's Antique shop in Washoe Valley... Not really sure what lead me to this page, other than remembering how this period of my life, and this family had a big impact on who I am today.. Joe hired me more than a few times to do basic handyman work at his Condo, and usually grossly overpaid me for my work, He was just a kind, interesting person, who even as a young man in my late teens, early 20's.. I could listen to his stories for hours! I was very sad when I heard the news of his passing.
He obviously had an impact on my life, because here I am..30+years later googling him.
Donna Stephens
June 17, 2023
Here we are 30 years later yet it seems like yesterday you left us. I have comfort and peace knowing mama is with you now. I thank God every single day for blessing me with you and mom. Forever in my heart . Donna
John
June 18, 2021
Dad by his actions taught us to learn from his experiences, which I did. Within a few weeks of the accident, I drove over to Pittsburgh, California, to drop in on one of Dad's old hunting buddies, the retired commercial fisherman Nino Crivello. He shared a few stories. Nino said that the first person to call him, after Nino's heart surgery, was Joe, who asked "Nino. what do you need"? That was so typical of my father.
When one of the many hurricanes hit his homeland, New Orleans, who stepped up to rebuild one of his brother's houses? Joe, whose father passed away when he was only 7 years old.
Clelie
June 17, 2021
Dad - I still think about you every day with a smile in my heart! Miss your wonderful and silly sense of humor, but most of all I miss your guidance, advice and unconditional love. Clelie
Donna Stephens
June 17, 2021
Engrained in my heart until I see you again. My hero forever. Donna Stephens
Stephen Arroyo
June 17, 2020
Elegy for Joe,
He seemed to be a force of Nature--eternal.
Irrepressible, uncontainable energy & enthusiasm.
This natural power in a human being, surprisingly,
Was always eager to help anyone.
A charm and disarming honesty and directness with
All types of people, rich & poor, powerful & needy,
The world his playing field and life on earth a grand sport.
Buoyantly optimistic, even under the blackest clouds,
A philosophical attitude kept him steady, with a trust in
And a grateful heart toward the Creative Power that
Runs the Universe.
Hearing about the innumerable facets of his complex
(but so simple and childlike)
Personality from so many since his departure...
(For everyone, it seems, saw a different part of him!)
The reality of his being is that he was
Indeed a sparkling, radiant gem. No one knew
Where that radiant, abundant energy came from. Perhaps
It was a huge loving heart blessed by God.
Surely the gracious and loving Lord cannot fail to
Shower his mercy upon such a great and loving soul
as this.
SJA, June 26th, 1993
donna stephens
June 17, 2020
Pops, Life has carried me through many great adventures these past 27 years and I carry you with me in a special place in my heart. Can you tell how much I love you by all these memories I leave? You were born to be a dad and are so treasured by everyone. Thank you for teaching me about the importance of sharing, acts of kindness, hugs, not complaining about pety things, treating ALL people with respect and dignity, being grateful and not doing something half way. Hugs to my all time hero. Until I see you in heaven... Donna
Donna Stephens
June 17, 2019
26 yesrs ago my life did a 180. I would jog to the top of hills imagining you were waiting for me. It wasn't easy for many years for all of us as we tried to figure out life without the greatest man in it. You'd be so amazed at the acheivements Leon and Cory have made. You've got so many more great grandchildren I've lost count. Mama always said she had the very best. She was so right. I know you hear me and guide me. Keep it up papa. Donna
Carla
July 18, 2013
Dad, It's Carla! Not a day has ever gone by I haven't thought of you. I miss you SO MUCH! NO ONE HAS EVER made such a GREAT, POSITIVE IMPRESSION on my life like you did Dad. I'm SO GRATEFUL I was lucky enough to have you as my Father.I have a 5X7 picture of you right by my computer & looking at your gorgeous smile makes me smile. Thank You for being the BEST FATHER I could have ever been blessed with. LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY BEING, CARLA
Aimee
June 28, 2013
You were always such a huge part of my daily life.... I still think about & miss you all the time!!!!! Thank you for being the most amazing Grandpa a girl could ask for!!!!
C Woods
June 26, 2013
My condolences to the family. May you have comfort from the Almighty.
June 24, 2013
I wish we had more time, but I received a wonderful compliment this weekend..."you have a lot of Joe in your spirit!"
donna stephens
June 23, 2013
Pops....The light of my life forever.Your youngest.
donna stephens
June 23, 2013
Dad....You are alive in my heart and mind. I hope you hear me when I chat w/ you each day.You are truly the love of my life and I'm so proud to call you my dad.Forever grateful, Donna
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