When asked about himself, Armando Arzuaga took a deep breath and then took some time to reflect carefully on his memories before responding. His replies, when they came, were thoughtful and brief.
Armando grew up alongside three brothers and three sisters in Brooklyn, New York. Counting himself, that made seven, a lot for his parents, but not too much. Armando’s serious demeanor softened while remembering the loving mother that had raised him.
Like many young people, Armando was attracted to music and excelled beyond his academic achievements. Nevertheless, he graduated from John J. High School in Brooklyn and was enrolled in a college program for heating and air-conditioning when he had the opportunity to tour. See photo above. He played guitar with a band during this adventure-even once performing at Madison Square Garden.
Armando says he should not have quit school, but later, during this time, he met Annette, his former wife of forty-two years, at a performance. Working full-time as a sanitation worker and prioritizing the raising of three children: Bonnie, Fabian, and Chloe, left little time for music – or regrets.
The family spent many joyful years on their property in the Poconos, swimming, fishing, sharing life and sharing laughs. Armando is rumored to be a pretty funny guy once you have gotten to know him. They also traveled together.
One of the family’s favorite trips, was to Hartz Mountain in Germany. No matter where they spent time though, The Arzuaga family could best be self-described as loving.
His daughter, Bonnie fondly recalls, “One of my favorite childhood memories is my brother and I watching Sunday morning cartoons with my dad every week. He was always the first one awake and would already be watching the cartoons in the living room – waiting for us to get up and join him,” she said.
Later when the children had grown up and moved out, Armando returned to the guitar that he had loved in his youth.He also returned to cars. He built an entire Corvette; talk about multi- talented! See photo above.
Once Armando retired, and seeing that his daughter would not be returning to New York, he purchased a house in Mashpee to be close to his grandchildren.
Until recently, Armando has been dividing his time between his grandchildren and resuming his music endeavors; playing occasionally at local venues.
Even though his many accomplishments are known, especially with the guitar, some people might be surprised to learn he is equally adept with the drums. See photo above!
They would not be surprised to know that he is a loyal friend, a loving grandfather and he counts raising his children and being a good husband as his proudest accomplishments of all.
Please welcome Armando to Decatur House.
