Obituary

Mr. Tony J. Arroyo, Jr. of Goodyear, AZ died October 25, 2023 in Phoenix, AZ. He was born on December 23, 1950 in Denver, CO to Tony J. Arroyo, Sr. and Mary Ann Aragon.
He is survived by his wife, Emilia Serrata; his children: Michael DiGiacomo, Brandon Arroyo (Tonya), Jeffrey Arroyo (Laura), and Michelle Sanders (Josh); his sisters Ruth Velarde, Katherine Valdez, Linda Wood (Ray), Jennie Ibarra (David); and brother James Arroyo. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Jacob and Francisca Aragon; his parents: Tony J. and Mary Ann Arroyo; his sisters Sue Martinez, Guadalupe Rivera, Karen Arroyo, and his brother Steven Arroyo.
He was employed with the Avondale Police Department for 20 years, retiring as Lieutenant. Tony was known in the West Valley communities by those whose lives were impacted by him when he taught the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program. His caring soul reached the lives of over 4,000 students.
Upon retirement, Tony went on to become a Karaoke Host in the West Valley where he never missed an opportunity to perform his favorite songs.
The Requiem Mass will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 10:00am at St. John Vianney Church, 800 West Loma Linda Blvd, Goodyear, AZ.
Interment will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 9925 West Thomas Road, Avondale, AZ following the mass.
A “Celebration of Life” Reception is scheduled at the City of Avondale Visitor and Conference Center, 11490 Civic Center Drive, Avondale, AZ at 2:00pm.