Carlos A. Arroyo's Obituary
1931 - 2018\r\n\r\nOur beloved father, grandfather, and uncle Carlos A. Arroyo, 87, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2018 after a long, courageous, battle with cancer. He was born on January 1, 1931 in Penjamo, Gto, Mexico to Florencia and Domingo Arroyo.\r\n\r\nCarlos was a musical protégé. At 3 years old he started playing the violin. At age 8 his godfather José took him to study music at the Mexican Conservatory in Mexico City. By the time he was 14 Carlos was selected by the Mexican President, Lázaro Cárdenas, for a music scholarship. Later during his teenage years he began to master the guitar. Around age 24 he attended college in Denver, Co where he studied chemistry. He later relocated to SLC and in 1963 married Juanita Arroyo.\r\n\r\nIn 1964 after being discovered for his guitar playing on Eugene Jelesnik's program The Talent Showcase, Carlos began performing with Eugene (violinist) for more than 5 years. They were able to record an LP - Music By Candlelight at Teogra. Performances lasted for the next 5 years at the Teogra Restaurant.\r\n\r\nAfter that Carlos performed with the 3 Dons at all of the SLC Country Clubs for over 20 years. Later in the 80's he formed his own musical group with his son that performed weekends at La Morena Café which lasted about 6 years.\r\n\r\nAmong his most important accomplishments was working for various companies such as Kennecott and DataChem Labs as a successful chemist. Carlos experienced negative work environments where his ability was being questioned due to his short stature and Mexican heritage. This only fueled his perseverance to prove them wrong; which he did. He was very proud of this triumph and if you ever met him, he made sure you knew that along with his other life experiences.\r\n\r\nCarlos was devoted to his family where for many years he worked two jobs to provide for them. Carlos loved spending time with Izik, Andrew and Franki, whom he considered his grandchildren. Carlos had a talent for spray painting, jewelry creation, and crafting his outdoor shrine. People who knew him well understood these skill sets.\r\n\r\nCarlos is survived by his wife, Juanita; son, Carlos (Dawn) Arroyo; sister, Sofia (Mexico); brother, Juan Manuel (Mexico) and many loving nieces and nephews. Carlos was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers.\r\n\r\nWe would like to give special thanks to Fernando Rivero as well as all the staff from Elevation Home Health & Hospice who came and took care of him. You were his angels in his time of need.\r\n\r\nA funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 1058 W 400 S, SLC, with Rev. Anastasius Iwuoha celebrant.\r\n\r\n
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