Armando Arocha's Obituary
AROCHA, Armando, 88, of Tampa, FL, Born in Guira de Melena, Cuba, passed away Friday, September 28, 2012. He was a gentle guajiro poet who continued to compose decimas after his immigration with family to West Tampa in 1957. Largely self-taught, he learned English and became a master plumber working for Henry Gonzalez plumbing for more than a dozen years until a stroke at age 50. After the illness, he performed "trabajitos" for loyal customers throughout the city. He was a devout Christian, a church deacon and family man. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Olga Arocha; 3 daughters, Zita Arocha Smith (David), Olga Cruz (Eduardo), Barbara Arocha Diaz (Eduardo); 6 grandchildren, Michelle, Miranda, Jacquelyne, Gabriel, Xavier and Zachary; 4 great grandchildren, Alexandrea, Quentin, Chauncey, Aaralyn; sister, Juana Arocha, many nieces, nephews and friends in Cuba and Miami. The family will receive family and friends for Visitation Friday, October 5, 2012 between 9 and 10 AM at Boza & Roel Funeral Home, 4730 North Armenia Avenue, Tampa. Services will begin at 10 AM at the funeral home, followed by Interment at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Family will receive friends afterward at his home, 4022 West Comanche. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to Life Path Hospice Services 813-877-2200.
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