Pedro Arroyo

Pedro Juan Arroyo III (1959-2024) Pedro Arroyo, 65, of DeLand, FL, passed away at his home on July 26, 2024. Pedro was extremely generous, hardworking, fiercely intelligent, and charismatic and there was always a seat at his table, no matter who you were. He was the life of every party and a gifted storyteller. He could effortlessly sing and dance to the music that moved him. In his friendship and love, you found yourself cared for, respected, appreciated, and inevitably full of joy. Pedro was born on February 28, 1959 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He was always ambitious, whether it was getting excellent grades from kindergarten through high school or learning how to drive a car at 10 years old. He attended Colegio Ponceño and graduated as the class valedictorian in 1977. He was also the Student Council President and received recognition as an outstanding student (San Jose De Calazans Award) and the student with the highest academic achievements, character, and intellectual promise in the science field (Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award). Ever since he was a child, Pedro said he wanted to be a surgeon. In 1977, Pedro left Puerto Rico to attend the prestigious Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He was a tenacious student with an impressive work ethic, eager to excel in his studies and become fluent in English. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with Minor in Psychology, Cum Laude, in 1981 and his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1985, on a US Army scholarship. He then moved to Miami, FL and completed his surgical residency and surgical oncology research fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in 1993. Pedro practiced general surgery, subspecializing in breast surgery, melanoma, and minimally invasive surgery. He was known for not only being an exceptional and hardworking surgeon, but also for the compassion, generosity, and respect he showed to each of his patients. Over his 30 years of surgical practice, he worked in offices, clinics, and hospitals throughout Central Florida, including DeLand, Orange City, and The Villages. He also practiced as locum tenens physician in New Hampshire, New Mexico, Maine, and North Dakota in the late 2000s and traveled abroad to the Dominican Republic to work in underserved community clinics. Pedro met his wife and the love of his life, Marcia, at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Marcia was working there as a nurse at the time and was initially unimpressed with this “hotshot” resident. But the more time they spent with each other and their families, they knew they had found their soulmates. The two got married on October 3, 1987 and bought their first house together in Miami shortly after. They welcomed their son, PJ, in 1989 and daughter, Natalia, in 1991, and loved them unconditionally. They eventually settled down in DeLand, FL, and have lived there since 1996. One of many lasting legacies of Pedro and this house will be its street name, chosen by him: Arroyo Vista Drive. On family vacations to locations like England, France, Italy, the Bahamas, Caribbean Islands, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Lake Tahoe, you could often find Pedro signing up for his next new adventure (jet skis, parasailing, helicopter rides, ATVs, snow mobiles, skiing down a double black diamond run) and in awe of the unique art, history, and architecture of each place. Pedro also loved dogs and had several furry best friends throughout his life: two golden retrievers, Elvis and Hendrix, two corgis, Louis and Moses, and a border collie/corgi mix, Kevin. Pedro was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve and served his country in the world’s most dangerous places like Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. In his tenure, he received the following accolades: two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, Army Commendation Medal with a “C” device, two Army Achievement medals, USN Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Amy Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device and 10 year bronze hourglass, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal with bronze service star, NATO Medal, and Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with campaign star. His family, friends, and colleagues will forever remember his bravery, strength, and devotion during his service. Pedro now rests in peace beside his beloved parents, Pedro J. Arroyo Lúgaro and Luisa Torres Ponce de León. He is survived by and will always be remembered by his beloved sister, Maite C. Arroyo Torres, whom he used to call “Nena,” brother-in-law, Luis A. Colón, and nephew, Carlos M. Santiago Arroyo. Growing up he and Maite shared countless adventures that she will always cherish and he leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unforgettable memories. Pedro is survived by his wife, Marcia Berces Arroyo, son, Pedro Juan “PJ” Arroyo IV, daughter, Natalia A. Arroyo, and grandson, Ash Daniel Holmes-Arroyo, who affectionately called him “Lolo.” Natalia will immensely miss sharing her favorite books with him and agreeing to disagree at the dinner table. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 10:30am at Allen-Summerhill Funeral Home, 126 East New York Avenue, Deland, FL. We will be gathering to remember Pedro’s warmth, generosity, and the profound impact he has left on us.

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