TRIBUTE TO ARMANDO ARZATE
March 22, 1961 - August 27, 2009
Our dear friend and Dolores Street parent and supporter, Mr. Armando Arzate, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2009. He was the husband of Sylvia and the father of Jennifer, Christina, and Melissa (pictured).
Mr. Arzate contracted pneumonia in July and was in a coma until he passed away. Reverend Rudy Bruner has been a great friend and support to the family during this difficult time and was with them at Armando’s death.
There was a viewing and rosary on Wednesday, September 2nd, at McNerney’s Mortuary in Wilmington. The funeral was held on Thursday, September 3rd, at Saint Philomena’s Church in Carson.
I met Armando several years ago and immediately found him to be very pleasant and very interested in supporting our school. He sometimes had his youngest daughter with him. Melissa is extremely shy and quiet and would never speak when I was present. Efforts were made through humor for me to communicate with Melissa via Armando.
When I had my first heart surgery, Armando and I determined we had several common bonds, including the fact that he worked in a hospital emergency room. A year later, I was still unable to attend school and carry out my usual duties. Being in need of responsible adults to attend the 5th-Grade’s annual 3-day excursion to Catalina Island, Armando promptly agreed to go when asked.
Allan Woods
I am so sorry to hear the bad news. I had a chance to meet Mr. Arzate when I was at Dolores and got to knowing him more when he attended Catalina Island with us. He was such a devoted parent. My prayers are with his family.
Carlos Joma
My name is Debonee’ Ross-Rolland. My mother is Dorothy Ross. I vividly recall a time when Armando was there for our family. When “Madre” was severely ill inside the hospital, I remember breaking down in front of him (while he was on his shift at Kaiser). Armando stopped everything he was doing, left the clients in front of him, and stepped out of the office to console me. He hugged me and told me that EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE OKAY! I cried a little more, but realized that this young, handsome, beautiful man... whom I merely knew from occasional visits at Dolores...was actually making me feel better. His words touched my inner soul and gave me comfort and assurance. From that point on, I knew “EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE OKAY”. I will always cherish that moment and never forget him for that. Thank you Armando for being that angel. To the family: I’m sure this is a difficult time. But this is your time to stay focused on the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... and know, now, you have an angel in heaven telling you, “my lovely wife, my wonderful kids, my family, my friends... EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OKAY!!!” My sincere condolences go out to your family. Love,
Debonee’ & Darryl Rolland
Armando and his family have been my friends for almost 20 years. I remember when his oldest, Jennifer (now a college graduate) came to first grade. That was just about the time that Mercedes arrived and CLOSED THE CAMPUS!!! Like many parents, Armando was concerned but in his gentle and caring way he solved the problem and helped everyone. Those of us on the primary yard may have thought he was a paid morning yard supervisor. No, he volunteered from that year through Melissa's (now an 8th grader) second grade year to help care for his girls and all of our children before school. He brought his smile...and citations!
Beginning with his playground days, Armando, was always there to help the children and our staff. Christina and Melissa both danced with the Multicultural Dancers. When Armando came to pick them up, often before practice ended, he would position himself near some "wiggling" dancers. That was such a help! As he was leaving with his girls he always had time to chat before leaving with a smile and hug for me. I will always be grateful to him for his video gifts of our end of the year shows.
Armando was a wonderful father and friend. Sylvia tells me, that since he worked nights at Kaiser, he drove at least two other girls in addition to Melissa to and from Stephen White last year. The giving never stopped.
I know that I learned, and have a lot more to learn, from Armando's quiet caring example. To Sylvia, Jennifer, Christina, and Melissa I want to say, "Thanks for sharing your husband and Dad with us. Let's all stay very close.” Love.
Kathi Kendrick
Remembering Armando
I remember Armando Arzate as a parent who loved his family. Although, I've known Armando only for a short year; when his youngest daughter, Melissa, was in my 3rd grade class, I found him to be a man who truly was interested in helping his daughter in whatever he could. When I suggested things he could do to help her, he listened and helped. As I think of Armando now, I remember him as a man who always greeted me with a smile and a friendly word. He was always willing to help in anyway he could. I will miss him, but now he is with Jesus, where he is smiling down on all of us." Aloha Armando!" Until we meet again!
Alvin Kitaoka
I met Mr. "A" at Dolores Street School. He was such a nice man. I would see him as a father, and a volunteer at the school. Whenever we saw each other we would wave and say hello. By condolences goes out to his family and many friends.
Gloria Brown-Cook
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Arzate as the 2nd-grade teacher of his daughter Melissa. He is a wonderful parent, who was always willing to help and volunteer for any school functions. His love for his children is what he lived for and is seen through the wonderful upbringing of them. He will be greatly missed.
Claire Tsao
Armando Arzate was one of the kindest people I can remember at Dolores since my very first year of teaching. I got to know Armando on two Catalina trips, when we were lucky enough to have him as a chaperone. He was such a kind, helpful, and patient person. I taught his daughter, Melissa, in 5thgrade. She was such a dedicated and conscientious student, and a very sweet person. It was obvious that her parents were extremely involved in her life. Armando spent a great amount of time and devotion wherever his family was involved, and of course that meant Dolores Street School. We are so fortunate to have had him as a part of our Dolores Street family.
Marianna Del Regno
